Design work is beginning in earnest with just over six months to go before construction is due to start on Cromwell’s $16M cultural centre project.

The first gathering of what is being called the ‘external stakeholder group’ was held on Friday.  The representatives from five community organisations will meet regularly and work with the Central Otago District Council’s Project Advisory Group to discuss design ideas and progress.

Representing the Cromwell Town and Country Club, Fine Thyme Theatre Company, Cromwell Cultural Centre Trust, Cromwell Museum and Cromwell RSA, their role was to provide expertise in relation to hall activity and be a ‘helpful sounding board’ during the project, according to a council report.

James Dicey has replaced original nominee architect Jess Sutherland on the group, after her bid with Christchurch-based firm Jasmax was successful in securing the $2.2M design tender for the project.  The pair represent the Cromwell Cultural Centre Trust, a volunteer organisation set up to progress the long-awaited hall project.

The formation of the stakeholder group did not preclude targeted meetings with other hall users, trust members and community groups to help in the scoping and design process, the report stated.

Jasmax will now develop detailed concept plans to be adopted by the Cromwell Community Board. Following that process, funding agencies would be contacted and funds applied for. 

Next a construction firm would be sought, detailed design developed and approved, and physical work started.

The first major construction task is expected be the demolition of the existing hall which was built around 1960 by the community of the time.

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