The Cromwell Community Board spent Tuesday afternoon (August 26) working through a draft management plan for the 91-hectare Cromwell Racecourse Reserve, signaling a shift from the council’s long-standing “hands-off” lease model to more direct involvement in the site’s governance. 

The plan sets out a staged approach to development. 

In the short to medium term (by 2030), up to four sports fields could be added to the reserve, with supporting facilities such as toilets, changing rooms, and equipment storage. 

Longer-term options (by 2045) include expanding to eight fields and providing for a potential indoor multisport complex with up to four courts. 

The draft commits Central Otago District Council to continuing to support equestrian activity at the site. 

“Council recognises the importance of this use and will work with the Central Lakes Equestrian Club and other stakeholders to ensure equestrian activity remains a core part of the reserve,” it said. 

“It is expected that equestrian and other recreational and sporting uses can successfully coexist. Future planning will focus on integrating facilities and coordinating changes to minimise conflict between users.” 

The draft plan acknowledges expansion of the sports fields from four to eight in the long term may require reworking the cross-country course. 

“Council will work with equestrian users to redesign the course, with the intention of fitting a full cross-country loop within the reserve.” 

The plan also notes the reserve could host larger community events in future, but fireworks are explicitly prohibited. 

A key change is the introduction of a co-governance model: the Central Lakes Equestrian Club would continue to oversee equestrian operations, while council would manage new sports facilities and infrastructure. 

Community board chair Anna Harrison stressed the draft sets out “possibilities” rather than final designs. 

“We look at this as a strategic draft about possibilities for future development. It is not a detailed design plan that says this is exactly what is going to happen,” she said. 

“It’s us making some decisions that help us look at a vision for sports and racecourse management over the next 30 years.” 

She described it as indicating a “future strategic direction” rather than “a plan set in concrete”. 

Her comments follow last week’s hearing of 35 oral submissions, many from equestrian users concerned about safety if horses share the reserve with other activities, and from sporting groups urging careful planning to meet Cromwell’s growth. 

Proposed changes to Alpha Street and Anderson Park were set aside for now, with elected members instead asking council staff to provide a future options report. 

Board member Sarah Browne said if the council got that “right” it “could potentially delay what is needed at the racecourse”.  

A final management plan for the racecourse is due to be presented to council in September. 

Read more: Horse riders warn of risks with racecourse plan

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