Interest in High Street site overlooking Taylor River

The Marlborough District Council has received one response to its call for ideas for a Council-owned site at 2 High Street in keeping with the Council’s urban design strategy for the town centre.

The proposal is for a restaurant and bar complex at the site overlooking the Taylor River amphitheatre, along from Raupo Café.

Earlier this year the Council advertised for expressions of interest in the site which is at the eastern end of High Street and bounded to the west by Council car parking.

Details of the proposal are still being drawn up and have not yet been presented to Council.

UrbanismPlus, the consultants who helped produce the Council’s urban design strategy for Blenheim, will be having input to ensure any proposal that goes forward to the Council will be compatible with the overall look of the town planning strategy.

That strategy for the Blenheim town centre recognises that riverfront locations are increasingly desired as settings for businesses and residential uses but it also advocates the retention of sufficient public greenspace to allow people to enjoy the riverside setting.

Chairman of Council’s Community and Financial Planning Committee Francis Maher says the Council is looking for a use for this prime riverside site that will help to enliven and strengthen this part of town.