The old Cromwell Memorial Hall has come down quickly, but its legacy will live on through various repurposed materials.
During the design process, several elements of the hall were identified for a second life, to minimise waste and maximise the reuse of materials for the community, Central Otago District Council Property and Facilities Manager Garreth Robinson said.
“As the old hall makes way for new developments, the spirit of Cromwell Memorial Hall will live on through these sustainable practices.”
From the ground up
Anyone who had been to an event at the old hall in the past would remember the sprung floor – the type that provides some degree of bounce and flexes under impact, loved by sports people, dancers and performers.
“The community have repeatedly talked of the importance of the flooring and asked that it be reused in the new building,” Mr Robinson said. “A portion of the sprung flooring has been removed in panels and the intention is to soak the timber so it is softened to be reused, providing an excellent floor surface whilst preserving a piece of history.”
Many of the old theatre-style seats have already found new homes throughout Cromwell giving recipients a piece of Cromwell history of their own.
The singalongs will continue with the old piano having been donated to the Fine Thyme Theatre Group.
Another piano from the hall, has been collected by a local resident.
The old roof will continue to give shelter. Approximately 10 tonnes of roofing sheets have been salvaged and donated to the Old Cromwell Heritage Society. Efforts are underway to repurpose as much of the hall’s schist cladding as possible.
The fire doors have been diverted to the Frankton Fire Station for training exercises.
Trees removed from the site will produce around 7 tonnes of firewood, which will be shared between the Cromwell Town & Country Club and the local community.
And good news… the total weight of materials salvaged and diverted from landfill is approximately 18720 kg – that’s more than 20 tonnes, with the addition of 200kg for another piano, which has also found a new home.
Call for Memories
To honour the hall’s rich history, the Council is building a photo library of memories associated with the hall.
Community members are encouraged to contribute their photos and stories on the Let's Talk page:
Let's Talk - Cromwell Memorial Hall: Cromwell Memorial Hall & Events Centre | Let’s Talk Central Otago (codc.govt.nz)
