The saga of what to do with an ageing and not-fit-for purpose hall in the fast-growing town has lasted for more than two decades, marked by indecision and debate.
However, Cromwell residents had a taste of what could be earlier this year when preliminary designs were released for public consultation.
The proposed design includes a 400-seat auditorium, cafe, cinema, flexible community and meeting spaces, as well as housing the Cromwell Museum.
A four-day public drop-in session at McNulty House in the Cromwell Heritage Precinct was attended by about 450 people with 40% of those providing feedback to "get on with it" and "build it now".
Last month, the developed designs — including plans for the relocated Cromwell cenotaph and war memorial, site landscaping and museum — and updated estimated costs were presented to the project advisory group by architecture firm Jasmax.
Cost estimates have risen to $42.8 million since the preliminary design was completed, an increase of $1.7 million.
In a report to go before the community board on Monday, Central Otago District Council project manager, property Phil Quinn recommends the board approve the next steps of the design process — adopting the developed design and moving to detailed design stage.
Detailed design will "refine the elements" identified in developed design and enable the production of tender documents for a construction partner, the report states.
Acquiring construction services is part of the Jasmax contract.
Completing the detailed design is dependent on both the demolition of the existing hall to allow for further geotech and foundation assessment where the new building will be sited, and construction services will need to be secured to undertake the demolition.
In the report Mr Quinn said if the board chose not to adopt the developed design, cost escalations were "more likely".
Pausing the project would "create higher costs and delays" and increase the potential for a "disenfranchised community in Cromwell master plan projects", he said.
