A new land investment strategy that will consider the growth of the town has been signed off by the Cromwell Community Board (CCB).

The CCB decided on Tuesday (June 18) to move the strategy forward but Central Otago District Council would still have the final sign off, because it involved land sales.

Land on Bannockburn Rd that has recently been rezoned under Plan Change 18 would be developed by the council, and used to pay for debt on the new Cromwell Memorial Hall.

Council business support group manager Saskia Righarts told the meeting that once Bannockburn was developed the council could look at using the strategy for the town centre and other areas - which would feed back into the Long Term Plan.

The strategy was developed to support established industries and existing businesses, and promote a diversified and resilient local economy.

Themes that came out of a CCB workshop in December included: support for established industries (horticulture, viticulture and tourism); providing the opportunity for the establishment of new commercial/industrial activities; the provision of land for/investment in critical infrastructure; ensuring that housing availability did not constrain business growth; recognising the town’s strategic geographical location and potential; and making Cromwell an attractive place to do business.

Deputy mayor Neil Gillespie asked staff if they could formally review the strategy in five years' time.

Saskia said they may find that some parts of the strategy were not fit for purpose in the future, and there was discussion around how often it should be reviewed.

“Those principles are pretty sound for any land for development,” Saskia said.

The board decided to review the strategy every 12 months and again each new electoral term.