Funding applications are underway for the relocation of the Cromwell Museum, so it can be moved to its new premises in the Memorial Hall and Events Centre in 2026.

The Cromwell Community Board heard from project manager - property Phil Quinn this week about where the museum relocation was at.

When council approved the design of the new $45.8 million facility in 2023, there was also $1.6 million budgeted for the fitout of the museum internally.

The design incorporated a designated wing for the museum with specific environmental control systems, aimed at enhancing the overall functionality and preservation capabilities of the museum facility. 

To enhance the Cromwell Museum, staff have been working with external funders to gain funding for a museum fit out to complement the design of the new hall and to showcase the Cromwell Museum collection. 

The old fit out and display of the Cromwell Museum would be disposed of either through auction or donations. 

With the Cromwell Memorial Hall base build well underway and on track for completion in 2026, the project team, incorporating Story Inc as design consultants, has been working with the museum on its new space.

A draft concept design was completed towards the end of 2024 with a primary output of estimated costs to inform the funding applications. 

Funding applications were underway with Central Lakes Trust (CLT) granting $1.1 million, Lotteries Heritage $500,000, and discussions underway with Otago Community Trust.

The Cromwell museum was currently based in the mall and ran on an operating model of 2800 volunteer hours a year, also employing a part-time director.

The museum trust hoped that they could fund a full time director position for the museum, and had a big job ahead in the next 18 months to pack up the collection and move.

New content development for each of the displays also needed to be organised before the move.

The CCB decided at the meeting this week to consider leasing the café, cinema and catering kitchen in the new hall and events centre to commercial operators.

Council staff and community board members talked about the potential to maximise the hours of operation to allow the facility to serve the community in the best possible way. The café space was used as an example of how the business could not only be open during the daytime but also into the evening.

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