Active Thames 2018's indoor sports facilities project has received approval to move into the detailed design and tender phase.

Approval was granted at a special meeting of the Thames Community Board held today, with chair Strat Peters saying it was made possible by the overwhelming community support.

A preliminary design for the new Thames Indoor Sports Facility. Image: TCDC/File

Via community fundraising the Thames Sport and Education Trust has raised $536,800 to date, well exceeding its initial target of $455,000.

This is in addition to public grants of $760,000 and Thames High School's commitment of $440,000.

'This has been made possible by the overwhelming show of support by the community in surpassing fundraising expectations by this stage of the project,” says Strat.

With fundraising commitments in place, the project has now been cleared to begin producing detailed designs and tender for construction.

Expressions of interest will be sought for the head contractor through July and August, with a shortlist to be identified by the end of August.

A contractor is expected to be appointed early 2016 and if everything continues to progress within budget and with continued fundraising support, construction may begin as soon as March next year.

Fundraising will continue throughout the remainder of the project with a focus also on the Rhodes Park and the skate park projects.

For more information about the Active Thames 2018 project click here.