​Council gives consent to demolish Cromwell hall

The Central Otago District Council (CODC) has approved demolition of the existing Cromwell Memorial Hall.

This follows a recommendation from the Cromwell Community Board in relation to the construction of the town’s $42 million hall and events centre, which was tabled at the Council meeting at Alexandra today (Wednesday 19 July).

As the Council is the owner of the Cromwell Memorial Hall building, approval was required for the demolition.

CODC Property and Facilities Manager Garreth Robinson presented a report to the meeting. Afterwards he said: “This constitutes a big step forward in the new memorial hall and events centre project because it allows further investigation to be done of the land that the hall currently sits on to give more surety to the new build.”

Currently the project is in the detailed design phase, showing all the materials – the ‘nuts and bolts’ that will go into the building. With the progression of design, the focus of the work is shifting into construction, with Expression of Interests out in the market to seek construction services for both the demolition and construction.

“We are excited about the interest the project is gathering and it’s a testament to the opportunity this landmark facility will provide for all involved, and ultimately for community and public to enjoy once built,” Mr Robinson said.

“With strong focus to the future, we are also ensuring there is a pause to recognise the role the existing memorial hall has played for the Cromwell community, with early stages of planning of a farewell ceremony to be scheduled prior to the demolition.”

The recommendation to demolish the old hall in October-November this year would also include any appropriate salvaging.

Other recommendations from the Cromwell Community Board’s May meeting state that the board:

• Approves the procuring of construction and demolition services.
• Notes that the 2021/31 Long Term Plan funds the Cromwell Memorial Hall project at a cost of $31.5M and that the developed design estimate is now expected to be $42.849M.
• Notes the shortfall in project funding of $11.349M of which $5M is expected to be met from external funders that are to be confirmed in November 2023 and that the remaining $6.349M is proposed to be funded by way of land sales from the Cemetery Road industrial development.

Prior to approval of the detailed design, the Board receives for its approval:

• The proposed operating model for the facility
• The projected operating and maintenance costs
• The likely rating implications going forward.
• The Board notes the district review of museum services and recommends to Council that it considers the Cromwell Memorial Hall project in that review.
• Authorises the Chief Executive to do all that is necessary to give effect to the resolution.

This will be presented to the community board in the coming months.

For more information and updates about the Cromwell project go to: Cromwell Memorial Hall & Events Centre | Let’s Talk Central Otago (codc.govt.nz)