"It's degrading, basically. It's a bit dilapidated and showing it's age. It's really a community asset but it's showing its age."
The centre is open three times a week for three-hour sessions and has a roll of about 20 children.
It is also used as a space for adult learning, with night classes offered to those taking education courses.
Building and grants officer Leah Wynne said the centre was an important hub for parents.
"It's sort of like a support group for parents. If you don't know anyone you can come and meet people and your kids can make friends.
"It's a community service in a way. It's that support for parents that don't know that many people - it's somewhere where kids can be safe and parents supported."
The weatherboard building needs a new coat of paint, repairs to the guttering and insulation installed.
Plumbing, windows and wiring also need maintenance.
Planned improvements include adding a wash down space for cleaning up the children, relocating the toilets, separating the sleep room and office, extending the resource room and upgrading the kitchen area.
The centre also hopes to improve the main entranceway and cloakroom, and to add a woodwork area.
About $100,000 worth of funding was available from Playcentre's national capital works scheme, but a further $80,000 would need to be found through grants and fundraising.
The centre had recently been declined a grant from Trust House, but Mrs Earnshaw said it was an experience that would help them to improve their future applications.
"We are all mums and this isn't our area of expertise, so it's difficult to know where to start. We were kicked back but we are using it to learn what to do for future grants."
They hoped to secure business sponsorship or donations towards building materials and would be applying for other community grants, Mrs Earnshaw said.
It had been hoped some of the work could begin during the Christmas holidays, but with funding uncertain that seemed unlikely at this stage, she said.
Architectural plans had been drawn up by architect Mike Sharpley and consent was now being sought from council, Mrs Earnshaw said.
Anyone wanting to help the project was welcome to get in touch.
As part of its fundraising efforts, the playcentre is holding a garage sale with sausage sizzle, bake stall and raffle on Saturday, October 24, from 8.30am.
Those wishing to help can contact the playcentre on (06) 3797875 or email carterton playcentre@gmail.com.
