The Cromwell Community Board has agreed to a
recommendation to consider leasing the café, cinema and catering kitchen
in the new hall and events centre to commercial operators.
At the meeting (Tuesday 6 May 2025) the community board
gave its support for this option, and for commercial leases to go through the
Central Otago District Council’s normal procurement process.
The Council’s Cromwell Memorial Hall Operations Team was
also supported in a resolution to seek broad options for running the spaces
through the expressions of interest process so all options could be considered,
and that the team bring a report back to the community board for consideration.
In the discussion, staff and board members talked about
the potential to maximise the hours of operation to make the facility serve the
community in the best possible way. The café space was used as an example of
how the business could not only be open during the daytime but into the evening
as well.
The discussion was a continuation of last week’s Council
meeting (Wednesday 30 April 2025), where councillors were updated about the
strong progress being made on the new facility at Cromwell, which is seen as a
flagship project representing the aspirations of not only a growing Cromwell,
but also the wider district, through district-wide funding. All elected members
were encouraged to take part in regular workshops that will be held to provide
updates on progress, as the operations team works through the project plan, to
be operationally ready by July 2026.
“The
$45.8 million investment is to benefit the whole district,” CODC Mayor Tamah
Alley said.
“It’s important that all community boards are part of the journey
as the success of this project belongs to everyone.”
CODC
Group Manager - Community Experience, David Scoones, noted that operating costs
would deliver a level of service that reflected the current economic climate,
while still offering a high-quality, seven-day-a-week facility.
Cromwell
Community Board member Cr Sarah Browne has been appointed as an advisor to the
Cromwell Memorial Hall project team and would help ensure that the community
boards and Council stayed well-informed and engaged, Mr Scoones said.
The
operations team would also provide regular updates to both the board and
Council, right up to the grand opening,
To
ensure long-term success, Council approved a full operational review three
years post-opening (in the 2030-40 Long-term Plan), with six-monthly
performance reviews during the initial operational phase.
Cromwell
Community Board Chair Anna Harrison said it was incredible to watch the vision
for the hall become a reality.
"It’s
exciting to see this long-anticipated project taking shape. The new hall is all
about creating a space that reflects and serves the needs of our community.
From local meetings and events to large-scale performances and a cinema, it
will be a place that adapts to and supports the many ways our community comes
together.
“I’m
really looking forward to seeing it open next year and to watching it become a
vibrant part of daily life in Cromwell.”
PHOTO: The Cromwell memorial hall and events centre build (whole site above) showing the roof going on the auditorium space (below).
