Project Tīrau: A Once-in-a-Generation Opportunity for Cromwell
There are moments in a town’s story when a decision made today will shape community life for decades to come. For Cromwell, this is one of those moments.
The former polytechnic site on Molyneux Avenue has long been a place of learning, gathering, and belonging. Generations of local families have passed through its doors. Now, as Cromwell continues to grow at pace, the future of this site presents a rare opportunity - one that could strengthen our community, our economy, and our shared sense of place.
Project Tīrau is a proposal to retain this site in community ownership and reimagine it as a Community Learning and Wellbeing Centre - a place that supports education, culture, health, and connection, while also playing a strategic role in Cromwell’s future as an events destination.
The timing could not be more significant. The new Cromwell Memorial Hall complex is due for completion in mid-2026 and will attract large conferences, performances, exhibitions, and regional events. But major events do not succeed on a single venue alone. They rely on a network of complementary spaces - breakout rooms, meeting areas, workshop venues, rehearsal rooms, accommodation and smaller event facilities.
Located just a short walk from the new Memorial Hall, Cromwell’s former polytechnic site is uniquely positioned to provide exactly this support. Together, the two sites could form a connected multi-venue events precinct, capable of hosting a wider range of events, attracting visitors year-round, and increasing economic activity across the town.
The benefits extend well beyond events and revenue. Project Tīrau would also respond to pressing community needs. Cromwell currently lacks sufficient space for community services, cultural activity, learning programmes, and wellbeing initiatives - challenges that will continue to grow as our population increases. Retaining this site would allow us to meet those needs, while strengthening social connection and belonging.
Most importantly, this is an opportunity that cannot be recovered if it is lost. Once the site is sold into private development, its strategic value to the wider community disappears.
Project Tīrau asks a simple but powerful question: What kind of Cromwell do we want to build for the future? Our community wants a future where growth is supported by thoughtful infrastructure, where community wellbeing and economic opportunity go hand in hand, and where places that matter are protected for the common good.
Making this vision a reality will require partnership, advocacy, investment, courage and collective support. But the potential return - socially, culturally, and economically - is immense.
This is an invitation to imagine what’s possible. A chance to help shape a future Cromwell that is connected, resilient, and proud of the places it holds in common.
Questions? ideas? Want to find out more? Contact Kylie Murdoch today.