IT has been a while coming, but a major expansion of the Pioneer Wagon Shed and Museum is almost finished.

A new L-shaped shed has been built on the western side of the site, more than two years after plans were first announced.

The coronavirus pandemic played a big role in the delay, of course, and museum committee president Rex Matthews said there were a few other hiccups as well.

“There’s been some setbacks all the way through with different things,” he said.

“We had to change the plans three times.”

That included the original site of the shed, which would have seen it built on top of the high-pressure sewerage main.

“Things in the original plans had to be adjusted but we’re just thankful we’ve got it up now,” Mr Matthews said.

“We’re probably about 95 per cent finished.”

The official opening of the extension will take place at 1pm on Saturday, February 25, during the Wood, Wine and Roses festival.

“(Former Glenelg Shire Council chief executive) Greg Burgoyne is going to open it,” Mr Matthews said.

“Without Greg Burgoyne we wouldn’t have got the shed.

“We originally applied for $40,000 or $50,000 for an extension but he got us some federal government money which meant we could build this (the project was costed about $80,000).”

Once ready the extension would house some of the museum’s larger exhibits, such as the old wagons in the main building and Keith Porter’s log truck and small dozer used to snig logs out of the bush.

The main building would then see more display boards, photos and “knick-knack stuff”, Mr Matthews said.

“People coming in here, the first thing they do is flock to the photos, that’s the way it’s going.”

The museum continued to receive plenty of donated items – especially from estates, including a major donation of items from the estate of Ron Carter.

It was also proving popular with visitors after the coronavirus pandemic, especially groups such as Men’s Sheds, historical societies and schools.