Fit-out of the new youth, community and sports facility on Plantation Road is about to begin, the Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) has announced.

QLDC sport and recreation manager Simon Battrick said work to transform the former Mitre 10 building will begin this month.

“Redesigning an existing commercial building for varied community uses has presented some challenges but we’re really looking forward to creating an awesome additional space for recreation close to town, as well as a much-needed home for local clubs and groups,” he said.

“There’ll be two multi-use indoor courts, a separate studio that could be used for dance, yoga and fitness classes, or as a meeting space, and dedicated areas for Kahu Youth and Aspiring Gymsports.”

Volunteers deconstruct storage in the former Mitre 10 store. PHOTO: Supplied

Simon said the council expects to complete the fit-out by the end of July but is working with its construction partner to allow Aspiring Gymsports earlier access to coincide with the end of the lease at its current premises.

Read more: New sports and community hub to open next winter

QLDC has appointed Naylor Love as lead contractor for the fit-out, with a budget of approximately $4.2M.

An increase of $90,000 from the initial budget approved by councillors in April last year was required for additional fire protection measures.

QLDC began an initial ten-year lease with additional rights to renew on May 1 last year.