Kaitangata and Districts Promotions has been helping a group of locals keen to see such a facility in the town.
Co-ordinator Jean Proctor said it had bought the former scout hall in Torquay St, which would house the new centre.
The focus would be on the district's coal mining history but other aspects of the town and surrounds would feature.
Displays, exhibits, photographs and memorabilia would be set up inside the building but Mrs Proctor said the group's first task after buying the property was securing it.
It was looking at the best way to use it and was getting design advice.
Next week, the group will be visited by a representative of te Papa who will advise them on advancing.
This kind of guidance would be invaluable, Mrs Proctor said.
While the group was reluctant to put any self-imposed timelines on the project, she hoped significant progress could be made throughout the rest of this year, with doors "hopefully" open by July 2010.
