Whitestone Contracting will be digging trenches for the mains cable and transformer while the grandstand will be decommissioned with services disconnected and asbestos-containing materials removed.
When completed the stadium will provide six wooden sprung courts, meeting rooms, offices, performance spaces and conference options
The Waitaki District Council was excited for the process to finally begin, council project manager Erik van der Spek said.
"It is great to finally see work begin on the ground after the years of work to get to this stage.
"This project has been one which the community has supported, and we can't wait to see it rise from the ground at Centennial Park."
He said while there was likely to be some extra traffic going into and out of Centennial Park, their contractors would try to minimise it as much as possible.
The project team had been working with the various sports to minimise any interruptions to their codes, he said.
Demolition of the grandstand is due to begin early next month and construction to start in September.
The event centre is scheduled to completed in February 2026.
