City partners with Western Fair on $7.2M multi-use gym project

Exterior of the J-AAR Expo Centre where the city has partnered with Western Fair District to create three gymnasiums in 2027 (Daryl Newcombe/CTV News London)

Growing demand for gymnasium space has prompted another partnership between London City Hall and the Western Fair District.

On Tuesday, Council agreed to contribute up to $7.2 million toward the redevelopment of a portion of the J-AAR Expo Centre (formerly the Agriplex),into three multi-use gymnasiums including a 25-year rental agreement to ensure long-term public access.

“If we were to go out and do this build ourselves, it would be in excess of $30 million,” said Mayor Josh Morgan after the meeting. “So the partnership model not only saves money, but we expect to have this open in early 2027.”

The Western Fair District will oversee design, procurement, and construction.

This new facility will accommodate court-based sports including basketball, volleyball, pickleball, badminton, and futsal.

“There is a lot of downtime on that side of the (Expo Centre). The other side is heavily utilized for different shows and activities,” explained Morgan. “So this is an opportunity to take some space that maybe is underutilized at Western Fair and partner with the city (to) provide needed recreation space.”

It will also provide flexible spaces for rent and existing amenities at the J-AAR Expo Centre such as the stadium seating, parking and transit access, accessible washrooms, and concession facilities.

The agreement builds on a joint venture that resulted in the Western Fair Sports Centre’s four-pad arena.

“Sport has a way of bringing communities together and adding another destination recreation complex to The District supports the continued development of a more vibrant London, strengthens tourism, and drives economic development,” says Reg Ash, CEO of Western Fair Association in a statement.