Plans to double the size of the centre at Peter Fraser Park to cater for the expanding population have been in place since 2009. Since then, the centre's committee has led a concerted community effort to raise the capital needed for the build.
Gala days, rubber duck races, quiz nights and other events generated about $95,000, while the rest was raised through grants.
The financial target was met last year, with a small shortfall for fittings and furnishings, but the project had subsequently dropped off the radar for a while, building subcommittee member David Paterson said.
Members of the Lake Hawea community had been asking where the expansion plans were up to, and a new restructured building committee appointed this week wanted to reassure them the redevelopment work was nearly ready to begin.
"People say if we've got the money, where's the building? So hopefully we'll start to make things happen in the next two or three months," Mr Paterson said.
"So much of the district has willingly given money to [fundraising events] . . . and I think it's only fair that they know what's happening," building subcommittee secretary Linda Osborne added.
The expansion plans involve relocating and expanding the library, which is attached to the centre, converting the existing library space into a multi-function meeting room and clubroom, and adding on a community hall.
Once an engineer's report detailing heating and acoustic requirements is complete, plans will be submitted to the Queenstown Lakes District Council for resource consent approval and a contractor appointed.
