Cromwell Memorial Hall & Events Centre

The Cromwell community is taking a bold step and looking to the future by investing in an asset that will meet the needs of the community now and into the future. The Cromwell Memorial Hall and Events Centre will be a place that respects its Memorial status while providing a modern, contemporary space for all of the community and visitors to feel welcome.

Throughout all design phases there has been lots of discussion and consultation with the external stakeholder group which is made up of representatives from the Cromwell Town and Country Club, Cromwell Museum, Cromwell Cultural Centre Trust, Cromwell RSA, Old Cromwell Inc. and Fine Thyme Theatre. There has also been regular check-ins and discussion with the Project Advisory Group.

We have been partnering with Aukaha, the consultancy company for Kāi Tahu, to confirm the key values of this work for mana whenua and to refine the cultural conceptual overlay for the design phases with Jasmax and Council.

With this stakeholder involvement and expert advice, the Jasmax consultancy team have been able to find clever and efficient design outcomes that represent the best functionality and size of the spaces within the building. The building will cater for both our community needs and commercial uses, and ensure we get the most out of the facility.

Plans for this project have progressed from concept design (broad parameters of the project are established) to developed design (final design is shaped) and then to detailed design (high level of detail is reached with contractor specifications). Even though this design work has been largely out of sight from the public, there has been a lot going on behind the scenes to reach the current stage. A clear sign that the project is progressing was the appointment by Council on 29 February 2024 of Naylor Love as the construction partner and Jasmax as the construction project manager. This project will be the most significant and ambitious capital project ever undertaken by Central Otago District Council (CODC). The old hall has had a fitting farewell and demolition has now begun. Once demolition is complete, the new facility will take about two years to complete.

Keeping you up to date

We want to keep you informed each step of the way. This page will be regularly updated with project milestones, decisions, timelines and with any opportunities for you to get involved.

How it all began

If you would like a refresher on how this exciting project came about for the community, have a look at the Cromwell Masterplan information in the project updates below. It covers:

• Cromwell Masterplan and Let's Talk Options community engagement.
• Cromwell Masterplan Spatial Framework.
• Long-term Plan 2021-2031 community consultation on how to progress the arts, culture and heritage precinct.