Construction of an expanded hall and sports court at Shotover Primary School has begun, but the Ministry of Education does not know its final cost.
In response to an Otago Daily Times official information request, the ministry's infrastructure service head, Kim Shannon, said a funding agreement for the project was reached last month.
Ms Shannon confirmed the Queenstown District Council's contribution would be $2.1 million, but the facility's final cost ''will not be known until it is completed''.
A year ago, the council agreed to contribute $1.84 million towards a larger hall in return for public access out of school hours.
In October councillors agreed to underwrite half of a $500,000 funding shortfall, with the ministry funding the other half.
The council funds, along with a $175,000 grant from the Central Lakes Trust, means the facility will be 1150sq m instead of 550sq m.
As a result, Queenstown will gain a third full-sized court meeting minimum requirements for netball, tennis, basketball, volleyball and other sports.
The ministry has a policy of providing a less-than-half-sized indoor court and school hall in primary schools.
Ms Shannon said an operating agreement had yet to be reached with the council and school board.
However, council staff indicated last year that residents would have access outside school hours and on weekends for a term of 30 years, with two 10-year rights of renewal.
The school would manage the facility and set council-approved charges for public use.
The building is expected to be completed next March.
The school, which is in a subdivision on State Highway 6, near Lake Hayes, opened in January.
