Epping Primary School children have buried a time capsule marking the start of construction of the new Epping Leisure Centre.

On Wednesday, March 6, pupils joined district councillors and representatives from Places Leisure and Pellikaan Construction to honour the milestone.

The ceremony marked the beginning of construction of the new leisure centre, set to replace the current Epping Sports Centre on Hemnall Street.

The pupils partook in an assembly in January, learning about the leisure centre project.

They also lent a hand in creating a time capsule, featuring items symbolising present-day life in Epping.

A promise was made to the students to be the first to try the centre's swimming facilities upon its scheduled unveiling in 2025.

The time capsule's location was identified using GPS coordinates, and a plaque will be affixed on the leisure centre's wall to mark its presence.

EFDC Chairman, Councillor Darshan Sunger assisted the children from Epping Primary School in burying the time capsule.

He also tried out an innovative new method of quiet piling which reduces noise and vibration to imperceptible levels.

He said: "It was an absolute privilege to be involved with the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Epping Leisure Centre.

"A big thank you to the pupils and staff at Epping Primary School for their contribution.

"Their time capsule is a wonderful addition to the centre.

"The new leisure centre will be a central place for the community to enjoy.

"It will help promote health and wellbeing and provides new features not seen before in Epping.

"It is a great example of how EFDC is investing in the district’s leisure centres, the community and the future."

The new Epping Leisure Centre prides itself on being the district's most energy-efficient leisure centre, aligning with Epping Forest District Council's commitment to be carbon neutral by 2030.

It boasts high-insulation levels coupled with the application of Air Source Heat Pumps.

The centre, co-delivered by EFDC, Places Leisure and Pellikaan Construction Ltd, will feature a range of new facilities.

These include a main swimming pool, a learner pool, sports hall, health and fitness gym, studios, and squash courts.