The London Sports Optimist’s got their wish, and it looks like the BMO centre will be adding two more soccer fields.
Already one of the largest indoor sporting facilities in the province, the complex is looking to go even bigger after receiving approval on an $800, 000 grant from the community and protective services committee.
Built back in 2011, BMO has been a home away from home for many in the London sports community.
Tom Partalas, President of London Sports Optimists – was very happy with the committee’s decision.
“I don’t think there was any way this expansion wasn’t going to get approved,” Partalas said. “London has a strong sporting community, and this committee sees that this is being built for our youth – so it’s a win-win for everybody.”
The two additional fields will cost a pretty penny at $7.8 million but Partalas hopes the expansion will be completed by Winter of 2016 – so long as it’s started immediately.
70, 000 square feet of additional space will be added to the BMO centre which should see its taxes increase anywhere between $30, 000 to $100, 000 per year.
“The expansion will be to the west of the existing building, where the parking lot currently sits,” Partalas explained.
“That lot will become the two new fields, while to the west of that is where the new parking will be.”
Partalas will have to wait on city council’s full approval – before the funding can be provided.