Students walk through campus in between classes at New England College in Henniker on Friday, Jan. 27, 2017. The bridge connecting campus to downtown Henniker is seen in the background. (ELIZABETH FRANTZ / Monitor staff)
Students walk through campus in between classes at New England College in Henniker on Friday, Jan. 27, 2017. The bridge connecting campus to downtown Henniker is seen in the background. (ELIZABETH FRANTZ / Monitor staff) Credit: Elizabeth Frantz

New England College has announced a $5 million anonymous pledge to support a new, 45,000-square-foot Athletic Complex on its Henniker campus.

“This transformative gift, which has been in the works for quite some time, has already spurred other generous donors to consider additional five-, six-, and seven-figure contributions; major gifts which will help us reach our $12 million fundraising goal,” said NEC President Michele Perkins.

Construction is slated to begin in the spring of 2020 with the Complex opening in time for the 2022-2023 academic year. It is expected to cost $15 million all told, with seating for up to 1,300, as well as a new fitness center.

NEC competes in the NCAA Division III.