A proposed $200,000 upgrade to lighting and rigging at Cromwell’s new lakefront venue could be partly funded through a seat sponsorship scheme, according to a council capital expenditure report.

According to a capital expenditure report prepared for Wednesday’s Central Otago District Council meeting in Cromwell, the upgrade aims to “future-proof and maximise the usability of the theatre” following feedback from community groups.

To pay for the professional-grade gear, council officers are researching a sponsorship initiative for the 400-plus seats inside the auditorium, with terms and conditions currently under review.

The update confirms the $45.8M project is on track for a May completion, with approximately $42M already spent.

However, the project's risk level regarding sticking to that budget has been given an “amber” alert, and the "expected variation to date" has climbed to $2,002,334.82 as the build enters its final months.

“Consumption of contingency is a risk,” the report said.

"Variations continue to be monitored carefully."

The project team is watching for blow outs as the replacement for the Cromwell Memorial Hall edges closer to completion. Image: The Central App

Beyond the budget, the council is also preparing to name the lakefront facility, with consultation set to begin next week on an English-language name.

A separate report prepared for Wednesday’s meeting said a “short, targeted, two-week engagement” period would run from March 2, with elected members leading the process, following recommendations from the Cromwell Community Board.

The report said the timeframe was tight, but a “high-level awareness and education campaign about naming the new facility has begun due to the tight timeframe”.

From the overall project budget, $3000 has been allocated for the consultation.

The facility will also have a te reo Māori name, gifted from mana whenua through a process facilitated by Dunedin-based consultant Aukaha.

While the report acknowledged that any name including "Memorial Hall" carried "historical weight", it suggested a title reflecting the facility's "modern, multi-use function" was “worth considering”.

A final decision on an English name is expected in late April.

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