High Country Medical Trust trustees Joy Paterson (left), Priscilla Cameron and chairman Simon Williamson study plans for the new Twizel Medical Centre. Photo supplied.

At the end of the official fundraising launch last night for a proposed new medical centre in Twizel it was revealed nearly half the $1.8 million needed had already been raised.

A fundraising thermometer, unveiled at the launch, indicated $877,500 had been already been raised, after huge donations were made on the night.

The Aoraki Foundation provided $20,000, while Trust Aoraki Ltd provided $100,000 and the Twizel Wine Club provided $250,000.

A floor plan of the centre. Image supplied.

High Country Medical Trust chairman Simon Williamson said the recent donations came on top of almost $100,000 raised by the local community over the past two years and a pledge of $330,000 from the Mackenzie District Council.

The project would replace the town's existing facility, which was now outdated, with a modern medical centre, complete with six consulting rooms and a triage unit.

Mr Williamson said he was ''really encouraged'' the project had ongoing support.

''Being the most isolated medical centre in the country, and being 180km from a hospital, the need for a modern medical centre is paramount.

''This is the first purpose-built community-owned practice in South Canterbury for at least 20 years, and if anyone can do it, the high country can.''