Development of Picton’s main waterfront street pushes ahead

Picton’s main waterfront street, London Quay, will be upgraded this winter to include new cultural elements, dining areas and landscaping.

Marlborough mayor Nadine Taylor said the project, which the council first consulted on in 2022, showed a commitment to revitalise Picton.

“This waterfront space is such an important part of Picton’s identity with its linkages to the foreshore and CBD (central business district),” Taylor said.

“It is a high-use area with a view loved by everyone who lives in or visits Picton. This development will ensure it is accessible and an attractive hospitality and visitor space for all users.”

Work was planned to start at the end of May and was expected to take about six months.

She said the revitalisation of Picton was being rolled out in in stages with upper High St and the Picton library precinct already completed.

“London Quay is an important next step and once that’s done, council will continue planning for improvements to other parts of the CBD.”

The concept, designed by Rough Milne Mitchell Landscape Architects, included an “invigorated streetscape” with new landscaping and plantings, the removal of levels to create expanded and levelled pedestrian and dining areas, and a new public seating area to the east.

Cultural elements were included in the design, street lighting would be upgraded and there would be improved water main and stormwater systems. The road layout would stay the same.

The upgrade, expected to cost $2m, would be funded from the council’s forestry, land and port income and would not impact on rates.

Maighan Watson, the council’s project and contracts manager, said the upgrade would provide a more seamless and safer connection to the central business area and foreshore.

“We have talked with affected businesses and residents with positive feedback received.”

The council had worked closely with the businesses along London Quay to time the work for the winter months and it would be completed in stages to minimise disruption.

With the work at London Quay signed off, the council could now turn its mind to planning its next major piece of CBD work, which was the refresh of Market St in Blenheim, Taylor said.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.