Western Fair District is moving ahead with phase two of its master site plan with the demolition of four structures this summer.
The District launched a strategic plan in 2011 that included future strategies to re-develop Western Fair District into a year-round entertainment destination over the next five to seven years. The objectives of the master site plan, an integral part of the strategic plan, included enhancing the grounds by removing some older buildings, greening up the grounds and improving customer parking.
“Now that we have secured a long-term OLG (Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation) lease and transitional funding for horse racing we can implement the next phase of our master site plan,” said Hugh Mitchell, CEO of Western Fair District/ “Our master site plan embodies our vision for Western Fair District as an entertainment destination and will complement the future of racing and gaming in London. It is now financially prudent to proceed with phase two.”
Over the next four months work will begin on the demolition of a number of older buildings on the site’s north side: Former Administration building (built in 1928), IMAX Theatre (built in 1996), Special Events Building (built in 1929), and The Link, (built in 1984), which connects the Special Events Building to the Canada Building.
Phase two, once completed, will begin the process of moving Western Fair District towards a greener, more inviting and modern entertainment location within the City of London and the Old East Village’s exciting arts and culture district.