Plans to redevelop and relocate the Cromwell War memorial from its current site to a nearby car park have sparked an underground revolt by some residents.

Cromwell historian David George said he represents a significant group who say the memorial should stay where it is. 

David said he’s speaking up because members of the group opposing the move feel they would be ostracised should they publicly air their concerns.

“The group sees the current memorial location as appropriate and respectful, a setting fitting for a memorial to those who did not return.

“We have real concerns that the proposed Town and Country Club car park site will undermine the intention of the memorial.

“We strongly feel that community consultation has been limited and not as far-reaching as a move such as this requires. We want a comprehensive community consultation process implemented.”

The Cromwell War Memorial

Central Otago District Council planning and infrastructure executive manager Louise van der Voort said the council has been engaging with the external stakeholder groups, including separate meetings with the Cromwell Cultural Centre Trust, the museum, the RSA, the Fine Thyme Theatre Company, the Town and Country Club, Old Cromwell, and Aukaha.

“The feedback from the RSA around moving the memorial gardens and the cenotaph has been really positive,” she said.

“We need to strike a balance between consultation to get the project right and meeting community needs and expectations and progressing the project in a timeframe that avoids lengthy delays.” 

She said the council will soon launch a website specifically for the project, where it will share reports and plans so the community can see what stage the project is at.

“We will be hosting drop-in sessions to share the preliminary design with the community following the meeting of the Cromwell Community Board in early February 2023,” she said.

The Cromwell Memorial Hall is soon to be demolished

The car park relocation would be the second such move for the memorial after the first shift during dam construction in the 1980s. The current location overlooks Lake Dunstan, Cornish Point and the historic town centre.

The proposed new memorial location: the Town and Country Club car park

The group opposed to the memorial relocation has taken its case to both the Minister of Defence and the Minister of Local Government. 

The group is currently awaiting a response.