Hotel and wine hub plans revealed

The former Clubs of Marlborough building and Marlborough Club could get a new lease of life as a 120-bed hotel and wine hub.

Plans are underway for a possible six storey, high-end hotel and connected wine hub in Blenheim's town centre.

Bought by newly formed family company Alfred Taylor Developments Ltd last year, the Clubs concept is a way to give back to the community says  developer Chris Thornley.

“Marlborough has been good to me, and I have an opportunity now to give something back.

“We are well advanced in our work to determine the feasibility of what will be a major development project.

There is of course still a lot of work to be done and we will need local industry partners to help us realise the vision and interested parties to help finance it.”

The wine hub would be located upstairs in the main former clubs building, where the snooker room and main bar used to be, with a restaurant/bar proposed for the other end of the floor.

Chris has been instrumental in several development projects in Marlborough including the Springlands Lifestyle Village which was recently sold to Metlifecare.

Marlborough Mayor Nadine Taylor confirmed Council was also in discussions with Alfred Taylor Developments Ltd about the site of the former Marlborough Club on Russell Terrace.

“Chris’s vision for a hotel is an exciting one for Blenheim.

“Council is actively working with him and his team to come up with a fair sale price and conditions,” she says.

Chris says while work to attract a hotel to Blenheim will take time, the wine hub concept would be a fantastic start.

“This could be a special centre where Marlborough wine is matched with Marlborough food – taking our local fare like salmon, mussels, cheeses and produce - and pairing it with the region’s wine offerings.

“We think it would be a winner.” he says.

Chris says the hub would not compete against existing cellar doors but instead enhance the visitor experience.

“This project has an exciting and wider role to play in future regional destination success, potentially offering a high value high end food and wine dining experience for bespoke luxury groups close to their accommodation and a facility to cater for large cruise ship groups.”

Developers will be looking for others to run the wine hub.

“We are planning a presentation in late June/early July once our feasibility work is complete and would welcome industry to get in touch with us if they are keen to discuss the concept further.”