Q: Why should this be done by a trust?

A: A Trust has been set up with its sole mission to complete this project. The Cromwell Cultural Centre Trust has charitable status, which opens up further avenues for fundraising. A Trust has been a proven mechanism to achieve great goals in Cromwell, not least the Hockey Turf and Pavilion, but you will see similar projects in other New Zealand communities run by Trusts.

Q: Is the Proposed SITE (current Memorial Hall) the best option?

A: The Masterplan technical team has gone to great length to consider the options and consult with Cromwell to define the best location for this facility. The lakefront site has been chosen for its connection to our heritage, memorial aspect, landscape and growing tourist trail. It also allows for connection to the Heritage Precinct to develop an authentic Arts and Culture Precinct.

Q: WHAT ABOUT THE EXISTING MEMORIAL HALL?

A: The existing Hall was designed for a town of approximately 1000 people. It has been identified to be not-fit-for-purpose and is lacking in structural integrity, functionality and is disconnected from the context. The Trust has taken direction from the Masterplan survey which identified that 86% of the respondents wanted a new building (57% Option 3 AND 29% Option 2). Data from: www.codc.govt.nz/your-council/project-updates/Cromwelleyetothefuture).

It may be possible to re-use elements of the Memorial Hall in the new building i.e. the flooring could be re-purposed as flooring or wall linings?

Q: WHAT ABOUT THE HERITAGE VALUE OF THE HALL?

A: The Hall is not classified as a heritage building as it was built after 1900, in the 1950’s. The Hall has high value in terms of its social history context - many Cromwellian’s or their families were involved in building it. The Trust hopes this new Centre can hold a similar social value with the community getting on board and getting it done together.

Q: WHAT IS GOING TO BE IN thE New CEntre?

A: This is still a work in progress and the Trust is going to greater define this in consultation with the community and stakeholders.

The current Masterplan Spatial Framework has identified opportunities for a “hall and events facility, museum, gallery, theatre and meeting spaces.” If you have any comment on this, please get in touch.

Initial consultation we have had with numerous community groups has identified that there is a need for a facility that can hold conferences and events and adequately feed and entertain their guests.

Research has identified there is a potential need for areas to be built to a level 4 building code, which means it could provide refuge to people in the event of a Civil Defence emergency.

It is important to include quality external spaces; the Cenotaph within a Memorial Garden, connection to the waterfront and adequate parking.

Q: How is this project going to be funded?

A: Having charitable status helps greatly by opening doors to various funding options. Funding is likely to come from Charitable Trust Funds, Central Government Fund, Rates funding, Local fundraising and sponsorship. Being a Trust with community volunteer efforts is seen positively by funders.