The first visitor has been welcomed through the doors of the new reception area at the Ashburton Aviation Museum, despite an official opening of the $2.5m extension still weeks away.
It follows months of building construction on the museum’s hangar extension project, which covers 2000sqm and includes a hangar, reception area, kitchen, function centre and mezzanine floor.
Building committee chair Owen Moore said the build had been a labour of love for members; many had spent countless hours working alongside tradies.
‘‘It’s great to have the facility done,” Moore said.
‘‘We look forward to having everything completed so we can officially open the facility.”
It was likely to be in September.
The new build has connected two existing display hangars at the Ashburton airfield and will be home to about 15 planes.
A function centre with views over the airfield and towards the Southern Alps will accommodate about 280-300 people.
Bookings for the function space were already flying in the door, Moore said.
The facility will open on budget, but Moore said they always welcomed donations as there are things they needed such as chairs.
Around the complex, a mezzanine floor over the function room, will house the office for the museum, display spaces, archives and library.
For those wanting to sit and admire the view while having a coffee, a sunny corner space has been set up and in the purpose-built reception area are display cabinets of museum artefacts and items for sale.
The south facing entrance has two sets of doors to keep the southerly weather at bay, and temperatures in tact. On the other side of the building a large 10m roller doors can be opened to allow additional space, if needed.
Museum members were now keen to hear from groups wanting to hold meetings or people looking for spaces for trades shows, awards evenings or events, including weddings.
