The timeline for the new events centre in Oamaru has slipped by two years, although negotiations have started with the preferred contractor.
The Network Waitaki Event Centre planned for Centennial Park will provide a space for sports, club meetings, performances, conferences and activities.
Project board chairman Geoff Douch said in a release, three design and build proposals had been received and the company behind the best one had been invited to work with the board to polish the design.
"Our job now is to refine this to ensure the facility delivers the best fit for our community within the project budget."
There would not be any reduction to the floor space of the stadium.
In a Waitaki District Council agenda for a council meeting yesterday, chief executive Alex Parmley said construction could not begin until the funding had been secured.
It was hoped to have that secured by the end of the year.
The centre should be constructed by 2026.
The cost of the centre had increased from $24 million to $32m since it was first floated a couple of years ago.
Project Manager Erik van der Spek said hitting the funding goal was not guaranteed, but discussions with remaining funders had "been positive".
It would take about 24 months to construct the centre after the contract was signed.
Trust member Adair Craik said a decision from the Otago Community Trust was anticipated in September.
Further applications were planned for the Lottery Community Facility and Significant Project funds when they opened.
