The final stage of a $1 million redevelopment of Wisharts Smithy in Old Cromwell Town is set to begin, with the last remaining commercial building in Cromwell's original main street scheduled to open in spring.
Wisharts Smithy was one of Old Cromwell Inc's main redevelopments in its project to restore Old Cromwell Town's historic precinct.
The building is classified as a category 2 property by the New Zealand Historic Places Trust, and its ongoing makeover was discussed at Old Cromwell Inc's annual meeting this week.
Old Cromwell Inc manager Elisabeth Williamson said resource consents for the building's upgrade had been secured, and builders were set to start the final stage of its restoration next week.
"They'll be back on site next week after having to complete other jobs while we secured resource consents.
"Once they get into it, the project will progress full steam ahead as there's not too much more to do," she said.
Old Cromwell Inc elected a new treasurer at its meeting to replace David McKay, who had been in the position for six years.
Mrs Williamson said "he felt he had done his dash" and Barbara Emmitt was elected new treasurer.
All other officers and board members were re-elected, despite two others being nominated.
The four officers are president Adrian Somerville, vice-president Ken Scott, secretary Kate Borrie and Mrs Emmitt as treasurer.
Old Cromwell Inc's four board members are Murray MacMillan, Royden Thomson, Max Birtles and David Barkman.
Mrs Williamson said the society had 60-80 members and more were always welcome.
