After three years of planning and fundraising, the long-awaited $1.5 million redevelopment of the Lake Hawea Community Centre at Peter Fraser Park is under way.
Building committee secretary Linda Osborne said it was "awesome" to see the project starting to take shape, particularly after things had come to a temporary standstill last year.
After a renewed push from the committee in recent months, Breen Construction Co started work on the redevelopment about three weeks ago.
The project will double the size of the centre, including expansion of the on-site library, a new community hall, a smaller multi-function space and commercial kitchen and bar.
All foundations have been dug out for the extension, and relocation of the library to the other end of the complex has begun.
Mrs Osborne expected work to be completed by February next year.
The centre's committee raised nearly $100,000 towards the redevelopment, which was topped up by several grants, including a $700,000 contribution from major supporter the Central Lakes Trust.
Fundraising efforts are still continuing for furnishings, landscaping and car parking.