Probing the scenic routes to neighbouring towns

Press, 22 July 1986, Page 32

Probing the scenic routes to neighbouring towns

has been built about a kilometre north of the original town centre. Development began in 1976 when the population of Cromwell was relatively static at about 1000. Of course the population has always gone through seasonal “booms” in the summer.

The arrival of the Ministry of Works and Development and the major dam contractor (the Zub-lin-Williamson Joint Venture) has seen the population treble to nearly 3000. Another 1000 people are

expected before the population peaks. When the construction work is completed, and that may not be until near the end of the century, there will be a residual population of about 2500. More than 400 jiermanent homes have been built in the expanded Cromwell. They have been landscaped with trees and gardens and grouped in clusters around small cul-de-sacs. The first housing subdivision was finished in 1977 and received an architectural award. Lake Dunstan will offer

unlimited potential for recreational development Already work has been carried out to preform the beaches which will surround the lake. Swimming, boating, other water sports, picnics and barbecues will be well catered for. A fish hatchery will be developed to ensure Lakes Dunstan, Luggate and Queensbury are well stocked with trout and salmon. The new lakes will be attractions in their own right and will help bring visitors to the area and

help encourage others to stay. Two thirds of the homes constructed to accommodate the workforce will remain. Many of the project workers will also want to stay, especially if there is work to - carry them through to retirement Irrigation from the hydro . lakes will mean increased farm and orchard production, and of course increased production means increased employment opportunities.