36 | Marlborough District Council “FOR EVERYTHING ENGINEERING” Mild Steel – Aluminium – Stainless Steel – Machine Shop 11 Warwick Street Blenheim PH 03 579 5570 | office@hrengineering.co.nz Proud to support Marlborough District Council Providing Resource Management and Surveying services for your Land Development projects. • Preliminary feasibility advice for your project. • Concept/Scheme plans. • Resource Consent Application preparation, consultation with affected parties, and navigation through to approval. • Principal and Contractors civil engineering set-out, as-builts. • Land Transfer legal survey. • Management of items required to meet council certifications. Contact: Matt, Mike or Harry | 89 Middle Renwick Road, Blenheim Phone 5792 906 or visit www.ayson.co.nz Crafted Concrete Products viblock.co.nz REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT T T Kim Newth Sprucing up Blenheim’s CBD The $3.9 million project, funded through a targeted CBD commercial rate, is one of Marlborough District Council’s most significant such investments in recent years. A major project to revamp Market Street in Blenheim’s CBD is on track to revitalise the heart of the town in time for the end-of-year festive season, with a refreshed streetscape reflecting the region’s vibrant character. Drawing inspiration from local rivers and the natural environment, the revamp’s considered design includes new paving, upgraded lighting and new planting/landscaping. The $3.9 million project, funded through a targeted CBD commercial rate, is one of Marlborough District Council’s most significant such investments in recent years. It is seen not just as an investment in infrastructure, but also as an investment in the future attractiveness and vitality of the CBD for businesses, residents and visitors. Since works started in July 2026, project delivery has picked up pace with the council having committed to progressing second-stage works (High St to Alfred St) alongside the first stage (Main St to Wynen St). “By delivering these two stages together, council will take advantage of significant construction efficiencies, reduce duplicated traffic management costs and shorten the overall construction programme,” says CBD portfolio holder councillor, Ben Stace. “Some underground service upgrades, including stormwater improvements, will be carried out at the same time. This approach provides better value for ratepayers while reducing the length of time businesses are affected by construction activity in the town centre.” Feedback was considered in the design process to help ensure community aspirations would be balanced with practical operational requirements. Developed by Rough Milne Landscape Architects, the design draws on Blenheim’s natural and historic landscape. With three rivers in close proximity – the Wairau, Opaoa and Omaka (Taylor) rivers – the area also once had extensive wetlands. The considered river-bank design concept for Market St connects the CBD to that wider landscape story. It features undulating paving patterns, ‘river pebble’-like seats and social ‘eddy’ zones that encourage people to pause, meet and relax. The cultural design elements – developed in partnership with local iwi, including the paving and garden bed wall designs by Ngāi Tahu carver Faye Robinson – provide a distinctive expression of local identity and storytelling through the streetscape. Lead project contractor, Fulton Hogan, has been acknowledged by the council for its exceptional work to date, including weekly engagement with businesses, providing regular updates and responding quickly to any issues. Its team has also adopted extended working hours where possible to reduce the overall construction programme and minimise disruption to shop fronts. Pedestrian access has been maintained throughout the works. The council is continuing to work alongside businesses, business support groups and key
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