Maniototo Curling International Inc chairman Stewart McKnight said work was well under way to construct a heat-exchange unit which would use the hot air produced by the freezing unit to raise the curling complex's air temperature.
It might also be possible to develop hot pools or spas.
"The only complaint we get from customers is that it's cold and this heat-exchange unit is a way of utilising heat from the freezing unit to keep the building warm.
"We don't want it too hot but just make it a pleasant temperature."
He estimated the normal temperature inside the building was 2degC to 3degC, but once the unit was operational, it could be as high as 10degC, though ideally, they would like it to stay around 7degC.
Though the air temperature would rise, he said, the ice would not be affected.
The project was expected to cost about $40,000, of which about half had already been spent on materials.
The money was being raised through grants and public donations.
"Our wonderful facility was only made possible by the generosity of our community, so to enhance it 10 years on, we hope for the same support."
He said letters had been sent to people throughout the Maniototo and Ida Valley asking for their support and the response had been heart-warming. Some people, pensioners for example, had been sending in significant amounts.
He said any further developments, such as hot pools, were just ideas at this stage and would depend on finance.
