Marlborough’s main CBD street could be in for an upgrade but councillors think seagulls, and the “absolutely filthy” mess they make, need to be addressed first.
The council wants to use an existing CBD budget to update Market St for the first time in 25 years, but it’s too early to show exactly what that will look like or how much it will cost.
Minutes from a CBD subcommittee meeting, which went to a council committee last week for approval, said landscape architecture firm Kumanu Environmental was engaged to provide a draft concept design for the revitalisation of the retail street.
However, when the concept was presented to the Blenheim Business Association (BBA), members felt that the costs would not be accepted in the current economic climate.
“The BBA view was that a refresh similar to the recently developed areas in High and Wynen streets, adjacent to Te Kahu o Waipuna (Blenheim library), would be a better option, however, members requested that all retailers be canvassed,” the minutes said.
The council’s project and contract manager, Maighan Watson, said Market St had a “tired look and feel”.
A report with full costings would be prepared for council approval, the minutes said, and it was also agreed that a Kobus Mentz study from 2015 be used as a starting point.
“The mayor is to be involved in the preparation of the draft. It was agreed that underground infrastructure be reviewed at a later stage,” the minutes said.
A council spokesperson said it was too early to release any concept plans as they were very early in the process.
“Full redevelopment comes at significant cost and would mean prolonged disruption to retailers,” the spokesperson said.
“The Kobus Mentz study evaluated the Blenheim CBD streetscape, identifying opportunities like paving upgrades, future use of public spaces, and consistent street furniture.
“It emphasised improving safety, accessibility and vibrancy.”
The tender for any improvements was unlikely to go out until at least 2026.
Seagulls have ‘colonised the CBD’
Councillors said the council needed to get on top of seagulls in the CBD first. They were such a problem that businesses owners banded together in 2020 to look for solutions. The council also launched a “don’t feed the gulls” campaign last year.
At the meeting last week, Wairau-Awatere ward councillor Gerald Hope said the “colonisation” of seagulls was appalling, and they were “crapping everywhere”.
“We have to do something. Move them on is the only way to do it. They’re being protected, yes … but they’ve colonised the CBD.
“They should be out at the white bluffs. That’s where they should be.”
He said the council needed to act on its plans to refresh the CBD.
“Things are being done intermittently, and they’re all budget constrained. That’s not good enough. Blenheim has to look a lot better.
“You ask any of the retailers in town at the moment … Feedback is, great when it’s a market on, but when it’s Westwood pumping and CBD crawling, it concerns me.
“The vibrancy needs to be returned and it’s our responsibility to do something.”
Mayor Nadine Taylor said she agreed.
Blenheim ward councillor Deborah Dalliessi said Hope was “on the money”.
“We’ve got ratepayers and business owners that are spending a lot of money on their own spikes [to deter seagulls] and things around town, they can see no end of it, so I think there is a sense of urgency,” she said.
Blenheim ward councillor Thelma Sowman said she wanted to see the streets cleaned.
“They’re absolutely filthy. I don’t know how often the cleaners come through the town but you notice all the defecation from the gulls, and especially outside the food shops.
“There’s grease, there’s food, it’s disgusting and you’ve got to really put your head down when you walk through town. Seriously.”
Jamie Lyall, the council’s property and community facilities manager, said Marlborough Roads was responsible for cleaning the streets and had increased the frequency of cleans.
LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
