The Cromwell Community Board (CCB) approved the demolition of the existing Cromwell Memorial Hall and the procuring of construction and demolition services at its Monday meeting (May 8), but also drafted several recommendations prior to approval of the detailed design.

Funding for the Cromwell Memorial Hall was approved in the Long-Term Plan 2021/31 (LTP), with the project being awarded to Jasmax which commenced the design investigation stage in early 2022.

At its September 2022 meeting the CCB approved moving into “developed design” where the structural elements, services and functions of the building have been determined. 

In March the team held a public drop-in session at McNulty House where approximately 450 visitors were recorded in attendance. 

Of those attendees there were 182 responses (40 per cent) providing a positive theme of ‘Get on with it’ and ‘Build it now’. 

The board has asked for more information before approving the detailed designs

The original cost of the design was estimated at $31.5M but it is now estimated to be $42.8M. Of the $11.3M shortfall, $5M was expected to be met from external funders to be confirmed in November 2023 and the remaining $6.3M from the Cemetery Road industrial development.

Central Otago District Council staff told the board the council is looking at efficiencies in construction and construction could start within 12 months.

Board member Wally Sanford warned capital costs will increase as time goes on, and Neil Gillespie, joining the meeting remotely, said that once demolished, there would be no choice but to build a new hall.

Not knowing the future costs or impact on rates was not a good place for Cromwell to be, Neil said.

“That’s a whole lot of risk for us to be taking on.”

Board member Cheryl Laws said the impact on rates for Cromwell residents needed to be known.

“We need a much better understanding of operational costs,” she said. “We need to know the impact on rates.”

Neil believed the recommendations proposed in the council report were inadequate, and board chair Anna Harrison suggested the board address details in the recommendations.

Anna said the board is “wanting info to ensure we are making good decisions” by seeking more information.

The final recommendations were that prior to approval of the detailed design, the board would receive for its approval the proposed operating model for the facility, the projected operating and maintenance costs, and the likely rating implications going forward.

The board also recommended that council consider the Cromwell Memorial Hall project in the district review of museum services.