Trust chairwoman Janette Malcolm said the trust had already raised $3.5million but an additional $2.3m was needed before the build could start.
The project involved repurposing an abandoned Grace St building to become a mixed-use, all-weather venue for the Invercargill community.
There had been a 25% increase in construction costs since the original 2022 detailed design scoping, she said.
But the design had also been enlarged by another 180sqm to include the youth technology hub and mezzanine storage floor as well as solar panels and a lift to the original concept which included meeting and co-working spaces.
Mrs Malcolm hoped the final $2.3m would be raised in time to start construction by April 2025.
"But we can’t go out to tender until we have the money to cover the price of the tender."
She hoped commercial operators would be able to help with discounted or donated construction materials to keep costs down.
"We are looking [for finance opportunities] under all the stones."
The overall build cost was small compared with other community centres built recently, she said.
Rio Tinto, ILT, the Southern Institute of Technology and some private trusts had made significant contributions towards the $3.5m already raised.
Mrs Malcolm said the trust hoped to apply for a building consent before Christmas.
"On the building and design side, we’re making great progress.
"There’s no-one that I’ve met that isn’t convinced about the need and excited about what we’re doing ... the issue is just funding availability is pretty tight for everyone at the moment."
She expected the hub to make a significant difference to people seeking qualifications, technology skills, business innovation, pathways to better quality employment and community engagement.
"The benefits that are going to come from this are so big and longstanding."
- By Toni McDonald
