Cromwell Memorial Events Centre

Te Puna Mahara Cromwell Memorial Events Centre is a landmark community and events venue on the shores of Lake Dunstan. The modern civic facility brings together a 400-seat auditorium, 40-seat boutique cinema, flexible meeting and conference spaces, creative studios, a café and integrated museum and gallery areas.

Working closely with Council and the consultant team, we adopted a collaborative one-team approach focused on delivering exceptional value for the community. Following tender award, multiple rounds of value engineering identified savings equivalent to approximately 5% of the contract value while maintaining quality, functionality and design intent. Transparent communication, early contractor involvement and proactive problem-solving kept the project aligned with the client’s budget and objectives. Our team also confidently led several design & build elements, including theatre, AV and cinema systems.

Innovation and detailed planning were central to delivery. The project combined precast concrete, structural steel, pre-nailed timber, a warm-roof, local brickwork, curtain wall glazing, two metal cladding systems and 19 specialist wall types designed to meet stringent acoustic and seismic performance requirements. Digital technologies, including 3D modelling and advanced electronic surveying, supported efficient coordination and complex foundation construction. Stringent quality control and assurance processes contributed to a high-quality outcome and smooth handover.

The project also delivered significant environmental, social and economic benefits. We diverted approximately 68% of construction waste away from landfill, with materials from the original memorial repurposed within the new facility or donated to local heritage groups, schools and community organisations. Around 65% of the supply chain was sourced locally, supporting regional businesses and maximising economic benefits within Central Otago. Community open days and site tours fostered a strong sense of ownership well before the facility opened, with special care taken to include the Cromwell RSA in moving and reinstating the historic cenotaph.

Te Puna Mahara is a resilient, adaptable hub for arts, culture, events, learning and heritage, providing an enduring place for community connection.