Two Cromwell football clubs are one step closer to securing a long-term home, with the Cromwell Community Board backing a joint lease proposal for the Alpha Street Pavilion. 

At a meeting on Tuesday (August 5), the board voted to recommend that Central Otago District Council grant the Cromwell Junior and Senior Football Clubs a 15-year lease arrangement, starting with an initial five-year term from July 2025, and two rights of renewal.  

The lease, set at a concessional rate of $290 plus GST a year, reflects council policy for not-for-profit community groups. 

The junior club has rented the pavilion seasonally for more than 25 years, while the senior club - revived in recent years - has also established a regular presence at the site.  

Speaking on behalf of both clubs at the meeting, senior club president Shane Norton said securing the lease would give the growing clubs the certainty they need to invest in the facility. 

“We believe the shared lease agreement with the council over the Alpha Street club rooms will be a positive move as it would provide potential for us to perform some much-needed maintenance and repairs on the building.” 

Close to the top of their priority list: hot water to the changing rooms, he said. 

Speaking after the vote, Cromwell councillor and board member Sarah Browne said: “Let’s go, get in there, and get it cleaned up”. 

Under the lease, the clubs would be responsible for outgoings including power, cleaning, rubbish collection and some insurance costs.  

A cancellation clause would give council the ability to terminate the agreement with six months’ notice, should the land be needed for another use. 

According to the report presented to the board, both clubs are financially sustainable and meet all criteria under the Community Leasing and Licensing Policy, which applies to groups that operate on a not-for-profit basis and deliver community benefit.  

The junior club has more than doubled its annual income since 2020, reflecting strong local interest and participation in the sport. 

“Having football clubs in Cromwell also brings other teams from around Central Lakes into our community over the course of the season,” the report said. 

The recommendation will now go to the full council for approval. 

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