An Antarctic hut, about 30 years old, is owned by Oamaru man and Antarctic researcher and historian David Harrowfield, who wants it in place and tied in with the Scott centenary commemoration event in Oamaru in February.
Those celebrations are to mark the arrival of the Terra Nova off-shore at Oamaru when two members of her crew came ashore to secretly telegraph to London the first news about the fate of the Scott Antarctic expedition and the deaths of Captain Scott, Dr Edward Wilson and Lieutenant Henry Bowers.
The hut was originally used as accommodation on the sea ice during a deep drilling programme, then as over-flow accommodation at Scott Base, where it was known as The Swamp because of its smell, Dr Harrowfield, who stayed in it in 1974-75, said.
Others who stayed in it included Sir Edmund Hillary and fellow mountaineer George Lowe.
He was offered the chance to buy the 2.65m-by-6.5m hut about two years ago, transporting it to Oamaru, where it is being stored at De Geest Construction's yard until it can be moved to the harbour.
He is working on the project in conjunction with Waitaki events development officer Jan Kennedy and a number of sites have been considered for it.
Dr Harrowfield hoped to have it moved by the end of the year, and work completed in time for an unveiling as part of the Scott commemoration celebrations.
The aim is to develop it as a tourist attraction with Antarctic history and an educational facility.
The hut would be set up initially with a static display, bunks rebuilt by volunteers, "The Swamp'' sign reinstated above the door, along with the steps and platform that led into it.
Dr Harrowfield would supply photographs, posters, books and maps for the interior, from his own extensive collection.
A "Peppers ghost'' projection system could simulate an explorer reading from Scott's diary.
Ultimately, the hut could earn some income by visitors paying to see a DVD of the Scott expedition, conservation of the Scott hut, huskies, wintering in the Antarctic and other footage.
Dr Harrowfield and other volunteers could man and look after the hut.
