The ceremony was attended by Morgan Sindall staff as well as local councillors and local professional cricketer, Phoebe Franklin.
The project is being delivered as part of the Southern Construction Framework (SCF). The scheme is also part of the Royal Borough of Greenwich's regeneration plans for Woolwich.
The works will include the creation of three new swimming pools, wet changing facilities, spa and relaxation areas, two spin studios, two high-specification gym areas, a five-a-side 3G pitch, multi-use sports hall, two squash courts and Woolwich's first indoor cricket facilities.
Other features include a commercial café, kitchen, creche, and soft play area as well as two studios that will be linked to the neighbouring Tramshed theatre and community arts hub. The new centre has been designed to accommodate those with disabilities and dementia.
The design includes a number of 'green' features, such as a rooftop green roof and 1,700m sq. of photovoltaic (PV) panels. The building aims to achieve a BREEAM Outstanding rating when it is complete. Work is expected to wrap up in 2025.
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Commenting on the project, Richard Dobson, Area Director at Morgan Sindall Construction in London, said: "Morgan Sindall understands the important role that leisure facilities play in not just bringing communities together, but in providing a strong health and wellbeing foundation for the next generation. We are delighted to be providing Woolwich with one of the best leisure facilities in the country, tailored to meet the demands of the local area.
"The team have worked closely with the Royal Borough of Greenwich over the last two and half years to get to construction commencing. It is great to invite the community and key stakeholders on to site for the ground breaking as we get with underway with the construction work."
Reflecting on the scheme's potential impact, Cllr Aidan Smith, Cabinet Member for Regeneration at the Royal Borough of Greenwich, said: "It's exciting to see construction start on such a significant Council regeneration scheme, and especially to mark the ground breaking with Plumstead Manor School and Phoebe Franklin. This will provide the local community with a top quality facility, designed with sustainability and accessibility at its core.
"I'm pleased to see Morgan Sindall Construction giving local schools the chance to showcase how construction works to their pupils and working with the Greenwich Local Labour and Business (GLLaB) team to help residents take up job opportunities and apprenticeships at the site. This is so important, ensuring the local community benefits throughout construction and beyond.
"The scheme has already seen us unveil major refurbishments at the historic Tramshed, a much-loved community resource. It’s also going to create around 500 much needed new homes, shops, places to eat and attractive public spaces. It's just one of the exciting schemes coming forward in Woolwich which will create a thriving town centre and help our residents look after their health and wellbeing."
