The Cromwell Racecourse reserve could be used for new sports fields to accommodate population growth in the town.

The community was being asked for feedback on the future of the racecourse reserve, which spans 93.49ha on Ripponvale Road.

Currently managed under a lease agreement with the Central Lakes Equestrian Club Committee Incorporated, investigations have been taking place to find out if the reserve would support both equestrian use and a broader range of community recreational activities.

Cromwell has been identified as being short of sports fields, from an assessment carried out by the Central Otago District Council in 2022.

Central Otago’s population was forecast to increase by over 26 percent by 2040, with Cromwell’s population alone expected to grow to more than 8000 residents. 

The growth was expected to place significant pressure on existing reserves and infrastructure.

At the racecourse reserve, medium term (to 2030) there could be provision for four new full-sized sports fields, and long term (to 2045) an additional four fields, enabling up to eight full-sized fields in total. 

This development would occur without displacing equestrian users and supported the vision of the site as a future regional sports hub. 

To support the dual-purpose approach and respond to population growth and increasing demand for sporting and recreational spaces in Cromwell, a new Reserve Management Plan was required to reflect current use and future aspirations.

The two-month public consultation would run in accordance with Section 41 of the Reserves Act 1977.

The draft RMP will be available online Let’s Talk Central Otago and in hard copy at the Cromwell Service Centre and Cromwell Library, from 19 May to 14 July 2025.

A drop-in session would also be held at the Cromwell Service Centre Council Chambers on Wednesday 4 June, 4pm-6pm providing the public with an opportunity to learn more and speak with staff.