20 | JASMAX Ltd: Cromwell Memorial Hall T T Richard Loader New venue on the way for Cromwell Design principles of connectivity, flexibility and adaptability will support the longevity of the centre as a vital cultural heart, ensuring it remains a valued asset that will meet the community’s needs for many years to come. “One of the key components of the new facility is a multi-functional gathering space within the auditorium that can be utilised for performances, local theatre, and shows, along with conferences and events.” REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Replacing its 60-year-old predecessor, the Cromwell Memorial Hall, Museum and Events Centre will provide a new and improved destination for events, creative expression and remembrance in Central Otago. The new facility, which has been designed by Jasmax in collaboration with other design professionals and the community, will be located on the same memorial site as the original building, on the side of the Kawarau River in the Old Cromwell Town and Heritage Precinct. The original building was the home of the RSA, and a much-loved community facility where many dances and school balls were held, and no doubt responsible for many emerging romances. While thought had been given to bringing the old facility into the 21st century, it was seismically challenged and Central Otago District Council’s (CODC) Master Plan eventually called for its replacement with a multi-functional community facility that embraced its memorial aspect and remained a home for the RSA. Jasmax Principal Chris Jack says design principles of connectivity, flexibility and adaptability will support the longevity of the centre as a vital cultural heart, ensuring it remains a valued asset that will meet the community’s needs for many years to come He says that while a key design brief was that first and foremost the new Memorial Hall was a community facility, CODC wanted to offer opportunities for economic uplift by attracting touring groups and other visitations to Cromwell. “One of the key components of the new facility is a multi-functional gathering space within the auditorium that can be utilised for performances, local theatre, and shows, along with conferences and events. “There’s capacity for 400 seated, with flexible seating arrangements that include tiered seating that can retract for standing concerts, banquets and touring groups, ensuring that Cromwell can be showcased.” Chris says early stakeholder engagement identified that the community required multi-purpose rehearsal space and some of the flooring from the original building is being repurposed so that it can be used for performance groups. “There is a fully catered function space for community and commercial events. There are multi-purpose meeting rooms for businesses or other community groups. The RSA has a home in the new facility and a memorial commemorating the fallen from the last century’s two World Wars will be retained and relocated to the new building’s entry. The design also includes a 40-seat cinema and the Cromwell museum is being relocated from the town to the hall.” From a conceptual point of view, Jasmax wanted the design to reflect Central Otago and Cromwell, particularly in the use of materials. “One of the primary external materials is a local brick sourced from Vi-block Masonry in Alexandra. They manufacture their own bricks from a quarry in Alex that has aggregates from old mine tailings. The use of local materials also speaks of sustainability and reduced environmental impact.” To respond to CODC’s requirement for an all-encompassing design team, Jasmax’s South Island based design team worked closely with local architect Jessie Sutherland of SA Studio. “Jessie has been a key part of our journey with this project and brought a lot of local community understanding and relationships to the project. We also worked in partnership with Aukaha, the consultancy for Kāi Tahu, to ensure the design reflected the identity, history, values, and narratives of mana whenua.” Other key design partners included Queenstown based engineering specialists WSP, Rhodes QS, Marshall Day Acoustics and Australian based Studio Entertech for the theatre design components. Naylor Love has been awarded the contract to lead construction, which is expected to be completed in April 2026. Jasmax is an architecture and design practice with studios across New Zealand and in Australia. “Our work is underpinned by an integrated approach, blending architecture, interior design, landscape architecture and urban design. Our projects encompass commercial, civic, community, health, and education.” YOUR LOCAL SCAFFOLDING SPECIALISTS INDUSTRIAL | CIVIL | COMMERCIAL | RESIDENTIAL 027 227 9044 ● will.labes@protrade.net.nz ● protrade.net.nz HEATING, VENTILATION & AIR CONDITIONING DESIGN AND INSTALL SERVICE DARREN MILLS Qualified Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Engineer 5/9 Bush Creek Rd, Arrowtown 021 129 5385 darren@heatpumpsonq.co.nz
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