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The University of Windsor’s board of governors approved proceeding with a $73-million expansion of the school’s athletic complex at its meeting Tuesday.

Work on the new Lancer Sports and Recreation Complex, which will incorporate in the existing St. Denis Centre, will begin with some remedial work on the outside storm and sanitary sewer system in July.

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“The new Lancer Sports and Recreation Complex took one step closer Wednesday with approval for the construction of the building by the Board of Governors,” said John Coleman, the university’s Director of Public Affairs and Communications.

“A number of details remain to be worked out before tendering of a contract and actual construction begins next year.”

The university plans to choose the contractor for the 119,000-square-foot addition to the existing site in April 2019. The complex is expected to be ready for occupation during the 2021-22 school year.

The new complex will see the addition of a new eight-lane, 25-metre pool, a triple gym, 10,000-square-foot fitness centre, multi-purpose rooms, social spaces, food service facilities and several new outdoor athletic fields.

Students will pay $54.6-million of the project through a new fee approved in a referendum a year ago. The university will contribute $18.6-million and will foot all annual operating costs.