Chance for Cromwell residents to ‘immerse’ themselves in future centre

The Cromwell Community Board (CCB) is inviting its community to check out the preliminary designs for the Cromwell Memorial Hall and Events Centre online, as well as in person and via virtual reality at upcoming drop-in sessions.

The preliminary designs were endorsed by the Board last week and are now available for the public to view on Council’s Let’s Talk engagement platform https://lets-talk.codc.govt.nz/cromwell-memorial-hall.

The preliminary designs have further refined the concept plans approved by the Board in September 2022. The designs have had input from external consultants including structural and civil engineers, mechanical specialists and theatre specialists, and key stakeholders. Council has also worked with Aukaha, Ngāi Tahu’s mana whenua owned consultancy. Aukaha is adding identity, history, cultural values and narratives, and providing feedback and endorsement of the design. During the process all aspects of design were considered including sizes of spaces, infrastructure services, landscaping and, in consultation with the RSA, options for the memorial gardens.

A series of drop-in sessions will be held on 10,11 and 12 March at McNulty House in Cromwell. The rooms in the house will be themed to take people on a journey through the design process.

Council’s Property and Facilities Manager Garreth Robinson said an exciting drawcard for the drop-ins will be the opportunity to view the building through virtual reality googles.

“You’ll be able to immerse yourself into the building and experience how the design will feel in 3-dimensions,” he said.

Those attending the drop-ins will have a chance to chat to and ask questions of the design consultants Jasmax, Council staff and community board members. There will also be an opportunity for people to give feedback on the day or via an online forum.

Next steps for the project include the project team meeting with external funders later this month and bringing developed designs back to the Board for approval in May.

Cromwell Memorial Hall & Events Centre
Drop-in Sessions

Friday 10 March, 10am-3pm

Saturday 11 March, 10am-3pm

Sunday 12 March, 9am-1pm

McNulty House, Cromwell Heritage Precinct