Construction is now underway on the Thames Indoor Sports Facility Diggers with diggers busily scooping out the foundations for the new centre.

The gymnasium is being built next door to the existing gym at Thames High School, making it a two-court venue suitable for hosting senior-level tournaments for netball, volleyball, basketball, gymnastics and other sports.

While on Rolleston Street improved parking is also being constructed for the future community and school users of the new facility.

The $4.8 million facility is a joint project of the Thames-Coromandel District Council, Thames High School and the Thames Sport and Education Community Trust.

'For many years, sports clubs and the high school have been constrained by the limited facilities available in the Thames area for indoor sports,” says a TCDC spokesperson.

'High school teams and community sports clubs are competing for the limited space and time available and this situation has not allowed for programme growth.”

An artist's impression of the new facility which will be for the joint use of the community and Thames High School. Image: TCDC

The project has received tremendous support from the community, with donations exceeding the initial fundraising targets.

'Of the project budget, $850,000 is from grants, $380,000 is from pledged community fundraising and sponsorship, $440,000 from Thames High School, and the remainder from our council.”

The project is part of the Active Thames 2018 portfolio of projects to improve recreation and fitness facilities in Thames.

The indoor sports facility is expected to be completed and ready for use by mid-2017.

For more information on Active Thames 2018 visit the Thames-Coromandel District Council website at: www.tcdc.govt.nz/thamessportsfacilities

The Thames Indoor Sports Facility car park as seen in November of this year. Photo: TCDC