Christchurch-based firm Jasmax, working with Cromwell architect Jess Sutherland as a design partner, have been chosen to undertake the $2.2M design contract for Cromwell’s new hall and cultural centre.

Members of the Cromwell Community Board were told yesterday that the firm, a multidisciplinary design practice, would be undertaking the role.

Jess Sutherland has a long association with the project, already producing much work around gathering ideas through membership of the volunteer-based Cromwell Cultural Centre Trust(CCCT).

The lakeside site is off Melmore Terrace where the existing Memorial Hall, which will be demolished, now stands.

The Board were told by Central Otago District Council by property and facilities manager Garreth Robinson that the group had presented their ideas “exceptionally well”.

“Jasmax really delivered and we’re very excited to get into the project,” he said.

The $16M facility has been costed based on a 2000sqm size and a Project Advisory Group of two Cromwell Community Board members and two council staff has been formed to help guide progress for the long-awaited development.

They will be part of a larger project and technical team, with a five-strong community ‘stakeholders’ group also having input.

Jess had earlier been appointed to the latter group as a representative of the CCCT and discussions would now be held as to whether she would remain or allow another representative to take her place, the meeting heard.

Five South Island based firms had submitted tenders for the design contract. Work is scheduled to start next July.