Old Marlborough Club building to be demolished

The dilapidated Old Marlborough Club building is set to be demolished it has been revealed today.

In May 2017, Council purchased the 1700m2  site for $1.33 million from the Clubs of Marlborough, who benefited from the cash boost at the time.

But rising vandalism and a lack of possible buyers means the Russell Terrace building will now fall under the wreckers ball.

Deputy Mayor David Croad, who holds the property and development portfolio, says the land had always been viewed as having strategic development opportunities.

Being central and next door to the Marlborough Events Centre and ASB Theatre it was hoped potential buyers would snap up the building.

But Despite Council working proactively with several commercial organisations and potential developers none had been able to realise their aspirations, David says.

Significant fit-out costs to upgrade and convert the old building for potential lessees had proved prohibitive.

“This combined with zoning challenges, market complexities and changes to industry demands due to Covid-19 have all impacted Council’s ability to lease the site,” he says.

The building and 15 car parks have been patrolled by security staff daily, with measures in place to protect public safety.

But smashed glass, ripped boards and antisocial behaviour has been rife, with a significant stray cat population making the derelict area home.

“Unfortunately, the old building has deteriorated over time and become a target for vandalism and antisocial behaviour," David says.

"There are security measures in place to ensure public safety and security patrols are undertaken daily."

The value of the site has increased significantly since then, according to a local independent valuation.

At  a full council meeting today,  Councillor Gerald Hope harked back to the history of the Ian Athfield-designed building which was once a “meeting place for business professionals."

He made special note of the kauri trusses from the old St Andrews Church, once on the site, used in the building’s construction and hoped they would be saved.

Council staff have confirmed that they are in discussions with St Andrews Church about this.

The site still has great promise, David says

“The site continues to have great potential as a hotel or residential development, amongst other possible uses, which would create wider and ongoing economic benefits for Blenheim and Marlborough.

"Clearing the site will better allow its potential to be realised,” he says.

“We must have respect for the history, but we also need to focus on the future and what is the right use of this site now for the betterment of Marlborough in the longer term."