The Ashburton Aviation Museum is one step closer to getting its new building.

An official sod-turning was held with witnesses from the Lion Foundation and the Braided Rivers Community Trust of Mid and South Canterbury, who provided a $150,000 grant to the museum in October.

Building committee chairperson Owen Mooreac expects the new premises will be usable midway through next year.

“We may not have all the bits and pieces inside that we want, but we’ll certainly get it to the lock up stage, and all the expensive bits behind us.”

The new building will be 2000 square meters and include a dedicated reception area, he said.

“They’ll all connect, once you’re inside, you’ll be inside.

“You won’t have to walk around on cold, miserable sou’west days anymore.”

A function centre should add more value to the museum for the community, and there are hopes for a food area too.

All in all, Moore’s just happy to see the dirt be dug.

“It has been a long time coming, I think we talked about putting the committee together about four years ago.

“Now, it’s underway.”

Fundraising efforts will get underway again in the new year.

The Ashburton Aviation Museum welcomes around 6000 visitors a year with their displays on aircraft and Mid Cantabrian aviators.

2024 marks 50 years of the museum, which is located alongside the Ashburton Airfield, used to train air force soldiers during World War Two.

It recently hosted the 2024 South Island Akrofest, which bought amateur stunt pilots to Ashburton for some flying fun.

Construction of the new building is now underway.

By Anisha Satya