CHILDREN helped break the ground at a new leisure centre which will "breathe new life" into the area.

Pupils from Hillhouse Church of England Primary School helped bury a time capsule, which included the old set of keys to the previous community centre, before building work began.

The new £9.5million centre will feature a new roof, an 80-station fitness suite, a 25m six lane pool with a 15m learner pool, exercise and a group cycling studio. It will also include a community room and a cafe.

Councillor Helen Kane, portfolio holder for leisure said: “These are exciting times for Waltham Abbey.

"The leisure centre will be for everyone. We are investing in our community and our future. Epping Forest District Council is signalling its intent in the best possible way.”

Councillor Sue Lissimore, Cabinet member for housing at Essex County Council added: “These plans breathe new life into taxpayer-owned land. The leisure centre ground-breaking is a fantastic milestone and a great example of public and private sector partners working together across Essex.”

Places for People Leisure were awarded the 20-year Design, Build, Operate and Maintain contract for the new Waltham Abbey Leisure Centre by Epping Forest District Council, along with their construction partners Pellikaan Construction and architects Pozzoni.

The centre will also feature a dedicated Virtual Cycling studio with classes led by Les Mills virtual master trainers, enabling customers to participate at their own convenience when it suits them.

John Bates, business development director at Places for People Leisure said: “We are extremely excited to begin work on what will be a fantastic community leisure facility. Through our partnership with Epping Forest District Council we are looking forward to providing a leisure operation that will capture the local community’s imagination and encourage even more people to adopt a love of physical activity.”