The council last week committed up to $2.5 million for a new building in the town, that will integrate both the existing community centre and library.
A council spokeswoman said the money would be loan-funded to spread the cost, in turn split 47% through general rates and 53% through community facilities rates.
The funding was welcomed by stakeholders from both the existing library, and West Otago Community Centre.
West Otago ward councillor and deputy mayor Michele Kennedy said creating a new building was about future-proofing for the next generation.
‘‘This will give our district a viable building that can be used for multiple purposes from sports, a theatre, library, meeting place, service centre, Civil Defence and many more activities.’’
Cr Kennedy said the West Otago community was ‘‘resilient and resourceful’’, consistently backing local projects.
Her sentiments were echoed by West Otago Community Board chairman Bruce Robertson.
‘‘It makes sense to have a new building, especially as the service centre/library is no longer fit for purpose and [due to] the maintenance that is required for the roof of the existing West Otago Community Centre.
‘‘It’s not very often our community puts its hand out for funding. We are pretty resourceful, but we do need a hand to make up the shortfall.’’
West Otago Community Centre spokesman Hans van der Linden said without significant funding from the council, it would not have been possible for the community to fund the integrated replacement facility.
‘‘The centre is ‘our place’ where we all connect for many aspects of community life,’’ he said.
Plans to integrate the community centre and library began in 2025.
The council said the library had been in Suffolk St since 1961 but was too small for future needs and required major redevelopment to make it fit for purpose.
The community centre had already spent money on roof strengthening and infrastructure, but further renewal work was required to replace the roof structure over its central part.
The overall project was likely to cost up to $3.5m, Mr van der Linden said.
"Our contractors have started the final detailed design work. This will complete the design to building consent application detail and enable fixed pricing to be determined. In the meantime, our fundraising committee will be highly active and do their best to raise the additional money required to see this project through to completion. This is likely to be in the vicinity of $1 million.
"We really encourage West Otago residents and businesses to support our fundraising efforts over the next 18 months."
Demolition of existing structures was expected to begin in January 2027, and the new integrated building open in February 2028.
