After months of work, the City of London has approved a deal to allow the London Optimist Sport Centre to build a new athletic complex.

The City has agreed to buy the land currently owned by the Optimists, and then lease it back for a nominal amount while the facility is being built.

“We are very happy with today’s outcome and we want to commend both the politicians and City staff for the way they have supported this project and worked closely with us to bring it to fruition,” Tom Partalas, president of the Optimists, said in a press release.

“Not only will our young people benefit tremendously from this endeavour, this new sports centre will be a regional draw for soccer and other indoor sports enthusiasts,” he added.

To fix up the land, the City will provide grants in the amount of $1.15 million to cover cleanup costs.

The Western Fair Association anticipates the construction of the facility will prompt other services to seek development in the location.

—Meagan Kashty