A very modern and minimalist approach to recognising Cromwell’s Chinese gold mining history is being explored.

The site on the Kawarau Arm of Lake Dunstan between the Cromwell Heritage Precinct and Cromwell Memorial Hall has been talked about for ten years by those wishing to acknowledge the part the Chinese community played in the area’s history.

When the Cromwell & Districts Community Trust recently reviewed their past community plans to see what projects had progressed or not, the idea was rekindled, trustee Janeen Wood told the Cromwell Community Board on Tuesday (August 2).

The area, which slopes steeply down to Lake Dunstan, would be terraced with replica stone walling recreated. 

It was possible that only one Chinese hut would be built but visitors would be able to view an entire village brought to life via their smartphones.

The app-based virtual reality experience would replace the traditional signs-in-the-ground style of interpretation. The virtual reconstruction could feature people moving around and give a realistic insight to the times.

A recent survey had shown 87 per cent of respondents were in favour of recognising the settlement from days gone by, and current Chinese community leaders had also joined the discussion.

Rhys Jenkins, who is expected to be elected a trustee at the group’s AGM in September, outlined that a site survey and plan would be needed at a cost of around $3,000. 

A further $1,2000 would cover the costs of gaining consent to do the work, including a public hearing.

The group were looking into funding sources within the new Cromwell hall development project for linkage to the Cromwell Heritage Precinct, and were expected to return to the board for formal support for this stage.