After nearly three years of community fundraising, construction of the much-needed emergency centre, which began in September, is almost complete.
Kingston Community Association Emergency Services Building Committee chairman, John Jones said the entire $348,000 project was ''just about completed'', and a provisional date of February 5 has been set for the official opening.
''The whole thing is basically finished already. There's a little bit of tidying up to be done outside, but I would say we're just about there,'' he said.
The new development has seen a complete interior refit and extension for a third bay at the existing Kingston fire station.
Next door, a new stand-alone building has been erected which will house St John and also have room for the community police, health professionals, and other community activities.
''St John are expected to be shifting in early next year, and obviously the fire brigade are already there. The new space will also be used by the community a fair bit, I expect. The whole thing will be really useful,'' he said.
Mr Jones has now stepped down as chairman of the building committee, and Kingston Community Association chairman Peter Gibson is the new chairman of the KCA Emergency Services Building Management Committee.
Most funding for the project came from a $228,000 grant from Community Trust of Southland, with additional funding from the Queenstown Lakes District Council ($50,000), St John ($25,000), Rural Fire Service ($15,000), Kingston Fire Brigade ($10,000) and local fundraising ($20,000).
''The centre will make a big difference in the community, especially in regard to young children. There are a lot of young children in Kingston, and it will be a lot easier for parents, rather than having to charge off to Queenstown every time they need emergency care,'' Mr Jones said.
The buildings will be owned and maintained by the council and operated by a management committee made up of the KCA and representation from user groups.
