The first stage of Moss Vale Services Club’s $3.6 million redevelopment is underway.

With the mud and dust of construction rides the hopes of club management and members of having one of the best clubs in the region.

Services club secretary, Craig Cooper, said that the much-needed refurbishment had been planned for a long time.

“We had planned to begin construction more than a year ago, but for one reason or another we couldn’t get started,” Mr Cooper said.

The new additions will increase the existing club by one third, making room for a new bistro, sports lounge and auditorium.

Added to the construction is the refurbishment of existing areas in both stage one and two.

“We plan on finishing stage one in eight months, and depending on finances, stage two will be completed within the next two years,” Mr Cooper explained.

“The aim of the construction work is to give members a place to be proud of, and I’m confident that they will be.

“However, the biggest problem that we had was to maintain the elements of the existing club while giving the premises a complete facelift.

“That’s why we haven’t gone for the biggest club that we could.

“Most of our members enjoy the fact that the staff know their names, what they like to eat and who their friends are.”

The auditorium’s great capacity will enable Moss Vale Services Club to attract a great deal more entertainment, which Mr Cooper said would benefit all age groups.

“In the past we were able to get big acts to come and play here, however now most entertainers won’t perform at smaller venues any more, but that is about to change.”