Early signs of work on the new artificial pitch at Queenstown Events were clearly visible yesterday.
Wakatipu Hockey Club president Karyn Battrick said it had been a long time coming and would delight parents who at the moment had to drive their children to Cromwell to play.
Mrs Battrick said the high school players would also be "extremely happy" with a full-size pitch to train on.
"It will completely change the way they practise and make them a lot stronger for matches," she said.
Queenstown Lakes District Council general manager community services Thunes Cloete said the new facility — which will host hockey, football and futsal — was clearly needed.
"It will serve as a major boost to the local sporting community for years to come."
Recycled material including tyres for the rubber shockpad would be incorporated into the build.
Mr Cloete said it would not be international standard, but would be built so it could be easily upgraded.
