A $2m grant for the Waitaki Event Centre takes it another giant step forward in making the plans a reality.

The Otago Community Trust approved the grant earlier in the week, taking the project tantalisingly close to its $32m target.

The new six-court event centre, designed to enable indoor sports and attract tournaments to Ōamaru, is scheduled to be constructed by 2026, and will be built at Ōamaru’s Centennial Park.

The centre is now only $4 million short of its target, and Waitaki District Council is in negotiations for the build with a preferred contractor. The estimated cost is made up of $26 million for the main build and $6 million for ancillary works.

The trust is still expecting decisions on other funding applications in due course, including those from the Lotteries Community Facility Fund, AAW Jones and the Alexander McMillan Fund.

The Otago Community Trust has also advised it welcomes further applications next year.

A revised concept is expected from the prospective contractor in the coming weeks, and the project board hopes to be able to share this with the advisory board in November.

Waitaki Event Centre Trust chair Kevin Malcolm said with the planning in its final stages, the trust is “thrilled” to have secured the grant to allow it to continue to push forward with its goal of delivering a quality development the community will take pride in.

“The Network Waitaki Event Centre will be more than just a sports facility, it will offer meeting rooms, offices, performance spaces, conference options, activities for all ages, and the flexibility to allow our imagination to create exciting opportunities for all,” Kevin said.

The $2m grant adds to the generous $5m contribution from Doug and Donna Hurst, the Waitaki District Council's $15m, and all other donations the trust has gratefully received, he said.

Otago Community Trust chair Andy Kilsby said it was a pleasure to support the development of a “significant community asset” for Ōamaru and the wider Waitaki area.

The significant amount of the grant reflects the strong desire of the trustees to support community projects which promote ongoing community use, encourage, and enhance community participation, and provide intergenerational benefits, Andy said.

Projects of this magnitude come with challenges, and the community trust acknowledged this project has faced a number of frustrations and delays, but the Event Centre Trust had demonstrated tenacity towards the ultimate goal for the benefit of the wider community.

"Otago Community Trust has a long history of supporting capital projects of this nature across Otago, and from our experience, we know these projects will ultimately deliver positive social and economic impact to Waitaki communities for decades to come,” Andy said.

Those looking to contribute to the final $4m or help fundraise can contact [email protected] or phone 027 838 3003 for more information.