That would be the culmination of more than two years' work by the community and its Omarama Residents' Association to redevelop the complex.
A draft plan on how the hall could be redeveloped into a community centre which caters for the widest range of activities and organisations as possible was put out to Omarama residents early last year. That resulted in a final plan which has been put out to tender, closing at the end of this month.
Association chairman Bill Gordon said the tenders that came in would tell the community exactly how much the project would cost, and provide information needed for grant applications.
"I have to say we have no definite idea of the cost - in fact some of the committee are running a sweepstake," he said.
The project will be kick-started by $169,000 from the sale of the Omarama Medical Centre, via the Waitaki District Council. That will form seeding finance to raise other money.
If funding can be obtained, Mr Gordon hopes work could start in spring and be completed this year.
The proposed hall includes an area for a gym and space for as many sports as possible. Spaces would also be flexible for a range of uses, and have better sound-proofing. Some facilities would be upgraded and relocated. A 50sq m extension would be built at the rear of the hall for a Plunket and meeting room, next to new unisex toilets.
A doctors' room would be developed off the entrance foyer, replacing the Omarama Medical Centre.
The kitchen would be relocated and upgraded. The play group would stay in the existing wing.
