A TOPPING out ceremony marking the highest point being built of Waltham Abbey's new leisure centre took place last week.

Representatives from Epping Forest District Council, Places for People Leisure, Pellikaan Construction and Architects Pozzoni toured the site on February 28, along with pupils from Hillhouse Primary School and a construction dog mascot.

When it is competed it will include a 25m pool and 15m learner pool, 80 station fitness suite, café and community room, along with a group cycling studio.

The centre is being built by Places for People Leisure, which won a 20 year contract for its building and running from the council last year, along with the management of the existing Ongar Leisure Centre, Loughton Leisure Centre and Epping Sports Centre.

Councillor Helen Kane, Epping Forest District Council leisure and community services portfolio holder, said: “It’s fantastic to see the design for the new leisure centre coming to life before us.

"When completed the new modern and sustainable leisure centre will offer a broad range of activities and services to bring the whole community together.

"We are looking forward to working in partnership with them over the coming years for the benefit of the local community.”