The opening of the $5 million centre brings to an end one of the biggest community infrastructure investments in South and West Otago for some years.
Centre manager Penny Batchelor described the complex as having "a huge impact" on the district.
She likened the excitement and anticipation in the community as construction of the centre neared completion to that felt in the build-up to the opening of the Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin.
Mrs Batchelor said organisations as diverse as model aircraft enthusiasts and power- lifters had started asking about access to the centre, which has five courts, a gym, storage and office space, reception, a lift, kitchen, lounge and meeting rooms.
Today marks the end of a six-year programme that began in 2005 with a feasibility study and was managed by a committee of volunteers chaired by Jeff Seymour.
Mrs Batchelor said volunteers were still heavily involved, cleaning and tidying the complex before today's opening and its use by the community.
The centre is named after local businessman Blair Cross, to acknowledge a large donation, while the fitness centre is named the Otago Daily Times Fitness Centre in recognition of a donation by the newspaper publisher.
