The board voted to recommend to the Central Otago District Council that it add up to $1.6 million to the draft long-term plan 2025-34 towards the hub, which would be funded either by debt or from reserves.
A report from council property officer Tara Bates said the Manuherekia Valley Charitable Trust would continue fundraising, but would be able to commit to beginning the build and avoid increased costs that could occur during a delay.
Fundraising for the 948sq m building was expected to cost about $5 million including a sealed carpark. It would replace the existing rugby clubrooms and hall and would have a hall seating 200, a meeting room, commercial kitchen, bar, changing rooms and house the toy library and a gym.
Trust chairman Andrew Paterson said the cost of building was lower at present and the trust wanted to take advantage of that.
Some building firms had indicated they would be willing to offer a favourable price to keep their staff busy while things were quiet, he said.
Building should begin in the new year and be finished in November or December.
"After eight years of consultation, debate and a couple of arguments the end is in sight".
The trust had raised $1.73 million including $1 million Vincent ratepayer funding approved through the Central Otago District Council long-term plan 2021-31 process, $600,000 from the Bob Turnbull Trust, an $80,000 donation from the Matakanui Combined Rugby Club and $30,000 raised through the Winter Crop Challenge donated by the Omakau Earnscleugh Collie Club, and the Omakau and Poolburn schools
More money was committed with the proceeds from the sale of Omakau hall promised to the fund by the council.
Lotteries had offered between $500,000 and $1 million, which was quite a range, Mr Paterson said.
Central Lakes and Otago Community Trusts had committed to 20% and 60-70% respectively of the building cost, he said.
The trust was working to reduce costs wherever possible and was looking at saving 15% on building materials through a sponsorship and a significant amount on the flooring cost.
The construction tender would go out soon, Mr Paterson said.
It was slightly later than anticipated but they had been working on the design to save money.
Some of their funding targets were ambitious, but achievable, he said.
The board, which met in Omakau yesterday, would have a progress report in February.
