The Linwood/Woolston community has celebrated the start of construction work on the eagerly-awaited Te Pou Toetoe: Linwood Pool.

The $22 million facility is being built in Linwood Park on the corner of Linwood Avenue and Smith Street.  Apollo Projects Limited, which built Taiora QEII, has been contracted to build the new facility, which is scheduled to open late next year.

This morning representatives of the local community and members of the Waikura/Linwood-Central-Heathcote Community Board gathered on site for a symbolic sod-turning.

Longtime local community board member Bob Todd says the development of Te Pou Toetoe has been a classic example of grassroots democracy in action, and as work gets underway, it’s an honour to be able to represent the community and everyone who’s got stuck in to make this happen.

Te Pou Toetoe: Linwood Pool will include a multi-use 25-metre lane pool, a deep-water pool for “bombing”, a family spa pool, learn to swim pool, and a pool for toddlers and water deck.

Community meeting rooms and a kitchen will also be available. The connection to the outdoor community space includes a gathering area, picnic tables, tennis and multi-use courts, cycle stands, parking and plenty of open areas for all ages to enjoy.