The Market Street Revamp is complete - ahead of schedule and just in time for New Zealand’s premier garden event, Garden Marlborough.
The project has delivered a comprehensive refresh of Market Street from Main Street through to Alfred Street, creating a more attractive, welcoming and vibrant public space for residents, visitors and businesses.
Council approved the delivery of both stages of the Market Street Revamp as a single coordinated construction programme, allowing significant efficiencies to be achieved while reducing the overall construction timeframe and minimising disruption for businesses and visitors.
Work started in July this year.
CBD Portfolio Holder Councillor Ben Stace said the project was the most significant upgrade to Market Street in more than 30 years.
"This project has delivered a renewed streetscape that reflects the quality, character and vibrancy of Marlborough.
"The result is a more inviting environment for people to gather, shop, dine and spend time in the town centre while supporting local businesses and helping strengthen the town centre's long-term appeal,” he said.
The revamp included the replacement of ageing paving with safer and more durable materials, upgraded street lighting, new planting and feature trees, refreshed street furniture and improvements to key intersections and pedestrian areas. Stormwater and other underground infrastructure upgrades were also completed alongside the streetscape improvements.
Clr Stace acknowledged the patience and support of businesses, property owners and the community throughout the construction.
"We recognise construction activity in a busy town centre is challenging and we'd like to thank everyone who adapted as the work progressed. Lead contractors Fulton Hogan have done an excellent job.”
Park Free Fridays will continue in Blenheim’s freshly revamped town centre for the month of November.
Motorists will not need to activate parking meters within the CBD zone on Fridays, including the Alfred Street parking building and the Railway Station car park.
This will continue for every Friday in November up to, and including, Friday 27 November.
To celebrate the conclusion of the Market Street Revamp, Business Trust Marlborough, with support from the Marlborough District Council, is planning a weekend of town centre activations on 27 and 28 November.
“Timed to coincide with the final Park Free Friday, the celebrations will encourage those who have not yet had a chance to visit the revamp to come into town, support local businesses and experience the transformed town centre,” Clr Stace said.
The Market Street Revamp was funded through a combination of the Targeted CBD Commercial Rate and existing renewal budgets, with no impact on general rates.
