Elsie Stewart Community Library and Pool project progresses
Pictured above, taking part in the sod turning ceremony at the Elsie Stewart Community Library and Pool site in Milton; from left, Stephen Woodhead and Marie Smith (Bruce Communities Facilities Trust), Donald Stewart (Calder Stewart), Kim Schiller (Bruce Communities Facilities Trust and Project Bruce), Peter Stewart (Calder Stewart) and Clutha District Mayor Jock Martin.
The site is clear. The scene is set. The first sod turned…
Clutha District Council staff and elected members, representatives from construction partners Calder Stewart and the Bruce Community Facilities Trust, gathered at the Elsie Stewart Community Library and Pool site in Milton last week (Tuesday, 10 February 2026) for a ceremonial sod turning.
With the demolition programme completed during December – January, the project was preparing to move into the implementation phase while the building consent requirements are being finalised, Council’s Infrastructure Strategy and Delivery – Group Manager Donna McArthur, said.
“We are very excited that after several years of preparation and planning we are about to begin construction – a huge milestone! We look forward to seeing the building take shape.”
The new Council-owned community facility between Union and Ajax streets is planned to take 19 months to construct.
It is designed to offer a wide range of services all year round for the Milton and wider Clutha District communities, from swimming lessons and competitions through to digital help, library programmes and celebrating local history. It will be a central point for connection, knowledge, health, and leisure.
It is named after Milton identity, the late Elsie Stewart.
Donald Stewart, Calder Stewart Executive Director of Construction, a title he shares with his brother Peter, who was also present at the event, thanked Council for honouring their mother.
“Our parents were great lifelong partners, and I’ve been asked why not include Dad [the late Bruce Stewart] in the name; we just thought it would be nice to recognise Mum because mothers often don’t get the credit due.
“Mum was from an era when a wife tended house, stayed at home to raise the family and quietly went about activities that helped our community.
“I can’t recall her ever turning down a request – she was well known for her kindness through good deeds […]”
The facility was the subject of two consultations, the first in 2022, and the second in 2024 when the scope and scale of the project changed significantly, with a budget of $19.4 million. This included $6.4M of grants and other funding, leaving $13M to be funded by rates. The Bruce Communities Facilities Trust is playing a key part in funding the project, with a commitment to raising $2M. Trust committee chair Stephen Woodhead said he was pleased to be there to acknowledge the next stage of this project, and the partnership with Council.
“It provides us the opportunity to remind ourselves of where it all began with the Our Place Milton Community Plan in 2018, which identified from community feedback that investment in the library and pool in Milton was needed.
“[…] It’s been an eight-year journey and while it will be wonderful to see work start onsite, we need to remind our community that we need their continued support to ensure we meet our target of raising $2 million towards the Elsie Stewart Community Library and Pool.”
Clutha District Council Chief Executive Steve Hill said the facility highlighted ongoing improvements to Milton’s main street because it would provide a focal point on the main thoroughfare, encourage increased foot traffic to surrounding businesses and other services.
A number of improvements and upgrades to Milton’s infrastructure have been completed over the past few years, including undergrounding powerlines, footpath reinstatement, CBD improvements; or are ongoing, such as the Gray Street Plaza makeover.
“The upgrades and above ground improvements are part of a broader strategy to improve and future-proof the town's infrastructure and enhance the appearance of Union Street.
“Milton is growing and this work, along with several other community-led projects underway, secures Milton’s future as an attractive destination for residents and visitors alike,” Mr Hill said.
Clutha District Mayor Jock Martin said community library and pool project was an example of investment into the future.
“We can’t go back, and we can’t stand still. We’ve got to move forward, focused.
“The past council made a commitment and today is the day it is being realised.”
For more information and progress updates go to: Elsie Stewart Community Library and Pool Project - Clutha District Council.
