Cromwell’s new $45.8 million memorial hall will be run by the Central Otago District Council for the first three years of operation to streamline its operation.

A report from the council to the Cromwell Community Board yesterday followed a workshop in February that set the ongoing process moving forward, as the facility moves toward a July 2026 opening.

The report from facility experience manager Genevieve Chrystall outlined how in the first year of operation there would be a strong community focus with the aim of getting as many members of the community as possible through the doors. 

The potential of there being “teething issues’’ to iron out in the first year with the facility being a new build was also discussed.

Council had a longer-term target of 70 per cent community usage and 30 per cent commercial usage with the aim of being a seven-day a week (360 days/year) operation, averaging 74- hour weeks with late night Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

The community board had previously discussed options of operating the facility as either a fully leased facility, council run or a council-controlled organisation (CCO).

Concept plans of the new Cromwell Memorial Hall. FILE SHOT

Given timing and the work needed to be done, and the benefits, the community board would like to see for the community, a council-run facility in the first three years with a review to be completed in the 2030-2040 Long Term Plan.

The new hall facility would feature a 400-seat auditorium space alongside a new museum connecting to the Cromwell Heritage Precinct.

Also included in the development would be a café, 40-seat cinema and community and event spaces overlooking the lake.

Community board member Sarah Browne was appointed as an advisor to the project team.

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