Facilities, Sport & recreation  |  24 Jun 2020

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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.

“It’s been exciting to watch this project start as an aspiration on a wish list, move steadily through the Community Board and Council process, and then finally reach the point where we’re out here onsite putting tools to the ground,” says Alexandra Davids, Waikura/Linwood-Central-Heathcote Community Board Chair.

Also on the shovels was Bob Todd, longtime member of the local community board and an early supporter of the push to get swimming facilities in the Linwood and Woolston community.

“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,” Ms Davids says.

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.

*Pictured above Christchurch City Councillor Yani Johanson,  longtime Community Board member Bob Todd, 12-year-old Eve Nuu, and  Waikura/Linwood-Central-Heathcote Community Board Chair Alexandra Davids break ground for the new Linwood pool.

An artist's impression of the front entrance to Te Pou Toetoe: Linwood Pool.