Construction on the $1.4million upgrade of the Sunnyvale Sports Centre in Green Island will start this month.
Working party member Graeme Wyllie said it would be one of many milestones for the 38-year-old complex, which would be transformed into the Sunnyvale Community Centre over the next nine months.
Upgrades include a new gymnasium floor, a viewing lounge with bar and commercial kitchen facilities, more office and storage space, additional changing rooms, and the conversion of the existing lounge into a double squash court that could also be used as a second gym.
''We are tidying up an existing facility that's been used by a huge number of people in our community ... converting it from a sports club into a community facility that everyone can use,'' he said.
The working party, which had raised over $1 million, still needed $150,000.
''We are at the sticky point where the support from our community verbally has been fantastic - we just need them to make a donation. That is where our focus is,'' he said.
The process, which was started three years ago, has involved two years of fundraising for the development.
The working party has raised $950,000 in grants from organisations including the Otago Community Trust, Lottery Grants Board and Dunedin City Council.
Local businesses and the public have contributed to the redevelopment of the complex.
''Recognition will be given inside the facility to everyone who donates. We are asking families to contribute $100 and businesses $1000,'' he said.
A container, which will provide builders with on-site storage space, arrived yesterday.
''It's quite a big thing. It's only a few weeks until construction starts ... it's not months any more,'' he said.
The sports centre is home to a 500-strong football club and is used by Football South for tournaments, trials and coaching clinics.
The centre is also home to the Green Island senior cricket team and provides a base for growing squash and badminton clubs.
• Visit www.sunnyvalecommunity centre.co.nz to support the upgrade.
