Future of Cromwell Racecourse Reserve Defined in New Management Plan

Central Otago District Council adopted the amended Cromwell Racecourse Reserve Management Plan 2025 at its meeting on Wednesday, 24 September.

The Plan provides a clear, community-endorsed spatial framework to guide future use of the 93.5-hectare reserve on Ripponvale Road that meets the future needs of sustained population growth in Cromwell. The Plan also provides policy to guide the continued use of the reserve. These include concept plans that support the continuation of equestrian activities and other recreational activities that currently take place, while also allowing space for the introduction of sports fields and related recreational facilities.

Current and potential users were invited to workshops earlier this year to help scope the Plan’s spatial layout of the reserve with the view of including future facilities for sports while retaining the existing equestrian use. Proposed medium term (5 year) and long term (15-year) concept plans were shared with the wider community through the Plan’s public consultation period. The public submission phase ran from 19 May to 14 July 2025, with a total of 291 submissions lodged (263 adult and 27 youth) and 25 submitters presented their views to the Board on Tuesday 19 August. Feedback received was used to refine the Plan.

Considerations from public consultation included:

• Considering the timeframe for developing an Indoor Multisport Complex at the Reserve
• Clarifying direction from Council staff around rules that will apply to dogs at the Cromwell Racecourse Reserve
• The positioning of the cross-country course, which will require reworking and will involve relevant experts
• Prohibiting the use of fireworks on the Reserve
• The importance of maintaining separation of activities

The Cromwell Community Board reviewed and approved the amended draft Plan at its 16 September 2025 meeting and recommended its adoption by Council.

“The new Cromwell Racecourse Reserve Management Plan ensures the Reserve can support a wide range of uses while enabling future development in a balanced and sustainable way,” Council’s Parks and Reserves Manager, Mr Gordon Bailey said.

Mr Bailey noted that the Plan does not commit Council to funding development. “The Plan will be implemented through Council’s Long-term Plan and detailed elements, including lighting and toilets, will be addressed at the project development stage”.

“Project timing will depend on factors such as population growth and demand for recreation and sports spaces, with any changes to existing facilities forming part of the project costs,” Mr Bailey said. “Council staff will continue engaging with stakeholders regarding future development and use of the Reserve”.

Mr Bailey said the amended Plan reflects community feedback and thanked the community for its strong involvement in the project.

The Cromwell Racecourse Reserve Management Plan has been developed in accordance with Section 41 of the Reserves Act 1977 and replaces the existing Reserve Management Plan, which was approved in 2000.

The full plan is available HERE