BILLED as Leeton shire's biggest tourism attraction to be constructed in many years, the Whitton Malt House remains on track for an opening sometime next month.
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While an opening day isn't set in stone for October, those involved remain committed to that timeframe.
Bookings are already filling up fast at the malt house for a variety of different functions, with most weekends already taken up until the end of the year.
COVID-19 regulations and restrictions will mean it will be a different opening and operation for the time being once the business is operational, but the excitement surrounding the facility remains the same.
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"We're busy with finalising the building ... we're starting to fit out flooring and paint, furniture is starting to arrive," Whitton Malt House business manager Matthew Pete said.
"Our accommodation is coming along as well.
"We're pretty well booked out until the end of the year when it comes to functions.
"The word is definitely getting out there."
The malt house recently launched its website, which includes a store section with plenty of merchandise and other items all on offer.
A shopping experience will also be part of the malt house facility offering all kinds of different and unique products.
Construction of the whole facility has involved local trades from throughout Leeton shire and the wider area, with the Felix Joinery the project managers.
"He's using all local tradies in terms of plumbers, cooling, everything," Southern Cotton general manager Kate O'Callaghan said.
"We're starting to finish off different areas.
"It's starting to look like a real building now. The lawns have gone in, the boys are planting the trees.
"We've got a lot to do, but a lot has been done too."
The next lot of accommodation cabins for the site are due to arrive in the next week or so.
All up eight cabins will be available for visitors to stay in, which is the first phase of the accommodation plans.
A playground will also be installed within the next fortnight. Golf chipping targets have been put in.
"It's very exciting ... we're starting to get to that pointy end where we are thinking about employing staff," Mrs O'Callaghan said.
"We'll have 11 permanent staff. That's 11 new jobs. We're looking at putting on least 25 part-time and casual staff as well.
"We're keen to build that team and have people who want to go on this exciting journey with us."
Inquiries about the malt house and its capacity to host events such as weddings have also been coming in thick and fast, even from out-of-state for when borders do open back up.
