Orange Ex-Services’ Club chief executive officer Cameron Provost said work on the 36 new rooms started in February and completion for the first stage was due in December.

“The project is behind by about 10 days because we had 10 wet days at the beginning - it could be caught up within the next eight or nine months,” Mr Provost said.

“Once we are out of the ground, it won’t be as adversely impacted by wet weather.”

With the footings now complete, Mr Provost said the building would start to take shape in the coming month. 

He said completion would mean more accommodation in Orange.

“We wouldn’t be turning away as many guests hopefully and we’ll really be able to facilitate more during the peak events,” he said.

Mr Provost hoped stage two would start next year.

The club’s nine-stage expansion, to be completed during the next 10-15 years, will include 82 extra rooms in the Templers Mill Motel, a block of 20 apartments, a 1200-seat auditorium, a 32-seat cinema, two restaurants, a new entry foyer, a gymnasium, a day spa and a two-storey alfresco area.

It will also feature 18 conference rooms, a business centre and a four-storey car park with more than 750 new spaces.

danielle.cetinski@fairfaxmedia.com.au