Three members of the Cromwell Community Board have put their names forward for two seats on the Cromwell Town Centre Project advisory board, with board chair Anna Harrison saying this shows the importance of the project to the community.

Board member Mary McConnell had been appointed to the advisory board at their community board’s inaugural meeting in November, but has since indicated she is unable to continue in the role due to other commitments.

Central Otago District Council (CODC) properties and facilities manager Gareth Robinson informed the board at its meeting last week of the possibility of having two community board members join the advisory board, as the project was so complex.

Anna advised that board deputy chairman Bob Scott had indicated his interest in joining the group, but he was overseas last week and had sent his apologies. Fellow board members Wally Sanford and CODC councillor Sarah Browne also expressed their interest and put forward their cases.

Cr Neill Gillespie argued the optics of selecting Sarah, saying her being a councillor also might lead to the perception the project was being run by the council and not the community. He also supported Wally, saying he was actually elected, giving him more of a mandate to be there.

Wally was elected, with the second appointee to be considered at the next meeting on June 20.

Bob said today (May 26) that although he had no particular town planning skills, he was very aware of what the town needed.

“The reason I said I thought I should go on there is that I know the other members have a lot of other commitments and I have more time to dedicate to the project,” he said.

Sarah said she had expressed her interest back in November but stood down and endorsed Mary for the position because Mary was “purely community board”.

“Looking back now, I don’t think it matters. Being able to be available and involved and ready is more important right now.”

She added that her working in the field of architecture was an added bonus.

“If we are going to add a person it would be really helpful to have someone who is technically astute.”

Anna said she welcomed the interest of all three board members.

“It shows that we have great people who are really keen to be involved in shaping our town and making sure we get this right,” she said.