There may be a transformation on the horizon for east London.

The city is expected to give the green light to the new $16.6-million East Community Centre project, and the project is so ambitious it may alter the Argyle area, said Bill Coxhead, director of parks and recreation for the city.

“We think this is project is transformational,” said Coxhead. “People will not recognize this area when we are done.”

The centre will offer a full range of programs, including a community kitchen, and a “living room” where people can hang out.

The East Lions Park on Wavell Street, now serving the community, sees about 6,000 visitors a year when it is active during the summer. The new centre is expected to get about 50,000 year round, he forecasts.

“It’s going to be awesome,” said Coxhead.

The centre will be the first in London to offer “universal” change rooms for its gyms and pools. Individual cubicles will be available, similar to family change rooms at the South London pool.

“It’s really a family change room on steroids,” said Coxhead. “It is in our vision to respect gender identity, It creates the best environment for everybody.”

Washrooms will remain gender specific, he added.

The new centre will be built on the same site as East Lions Park, which will be torn down in September, when new construction is expected to begin.

“I think we have been talking about this for three elections,” laughed Coun. Bill Armstrong, who represents the area. “This has been well received in the community here, there’s a lot of excitement.”

A city report said the centre will serve as a community hub for the Argyle, Huron Heights, East ­London, Hamilton Road, Glen Cairn and Westminster neighbourhoods.

Though it has been discussed for about 12 years, the city has been planning the east-end centre since 2015. Community open houses were held in March and June 2016, to gather feedback on the plans.

The centre will boast a new playground, full-size soccer field, tennis court, pickleball court and a basketball court that can turn into an ice rink, a loop pathway with seating areas, more trees and a dry pond garden, the city report said.

It also will offer community space, two swimming pools, gymnasium, multi-purpose rooms and community kitchen, as well as the universal change rooms.

The matter is going to the ­community and protective services committee Tuesday, with ­construction slated to be completed in 2019.

ndebono@postmedia.com