The Lowburn Hall could be transferred from Central Otago District Council ownership to a community group, for the price of $1.
The Cromwell Community Board has recommended the move, which will be discussed at next Tuesday’s board meeting.
It could result in the Lowburn Hall committee, which already manages the hall, becoming an incorporated society. The hall would then be transferred to the society for $1.
The hall land would also be leased for $1 a year for a 33-year term.
The council’s Cromwell property officer, Maree Way, said in a report to the board the transfer would follow similar moves in Bannockburn and Lake Roxburgh, where the community halls had also been transferred, or were in the process of transfer, to community groups.
"This type of ownership structure is another way to facilitate a community hall, other than council ownership," she said.
The Lowburn Hall was well-used by the Lowburn and Cromwell communities and its committee was proactive in its management, the report said.
It was proposed the council would continue to assist with significant work required on the hall, would continue to manage the public toilet attached to the building, and would pay the hall’s insurance and rates.
