Revamp marks new chapter for Blenheim town centre
The Market Street Revamp is complete.
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.
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.
Council acknowledges the patience and support of businesses, property owners and the community throughout the construction.
Park Free Fridays will continue in Blenheim’s freshly revamped town centre for the month of November.
To celebrate the end of the Revamp, Business Trust Marlborough, with support from Council, is planning a weekend of town centre activations on 27 and 28 November.
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.
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Annual report shows Council’s continued investment
Council’s annual report for the 2025/26 financial year marks significant progress on major infrastructure projects, continued recovery from weather events and investment in services supporting the district's long-term future.
The Waitohi Picton Ferry Redevelopment project progressed including agreement on the infrastructure needed to support the new Cook Strait ferries and approval of a financing arrangement with Port Marlborough. Government funding was also confirmed for the Dublin Street overbridge to improve traffic flows in Picton when the new ferries arrive in 2029.
Council advanced work on the Spring Creek stop bank upgrade, one of the largest flood protection projects in Marlborough, with funding support from central government.
Investment in water infrastructure remained a key focus, with providing safe, reliable drinking water and wastewater services one of Council's most important responsibilities.
Council also approved the establishment of Marlborough Waters Ltd, a new council-owned organisation that will begin operating from 1 July 2027 providing dedicated management of drinking water, wastewater and stormwater services.
Environmental management and economic development remained important priorities. Council continued to protect natural resources through groundwater research, invasive species management and implementation of the Marlborough Environment Plan.
Community investments included enhancements to the Waikawa Bay foreshore, a new playground in Grovetown and a new jetty at Waitaria Bay. Te Kahu o Waipuna, Marlborough Library and Art Gallery also marked one million visitors through, since its opening in June 2023.
For the full report go to: www.marlborough.govt.nz/your-council/long-term-and-annual-plans-policies-and-reports
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QV releases Marlborough property valuations
Updated rating valuations are now available to Marlborough property owners.
The three-yearly valuations for all properties in the district were prepared by independent valuers Quotable Value (QV) on behalf of Council and reflect the likely price a property would have sold for
on 1 July 2026.
Since the last revaluation in 2023, residential housing decreased by an average of 0.8 per cent, the average capital value of a horticultural block decreased by 47.3 per cent and the value of an improved lifestyle property decreased by
6.7 per cent.
Meanwhile, the commercial property market remained subdued but stable with commercial and industrial land values increasing by 3.9 per cent and 7.6 per cent respectively.
The total rateable value for the district is now $29.13 billion.
The district valuation roll is available on Council's website.
If you wish to object to your valuation, you can do so in writing. Details of how to do this will be included with your valuation notice which you will receive in the mail. Please note objections close at 5pm on Friday 11 December 2026.
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Help shape Marlborough's heritage future
Marlborough residents are invited to have their say on a draft Heritage Strategy designed to care for and celebrate the region’s history.
Public feedback will guide how the district's heritage is protected, celebrated and sustained over the next decade.
The draft plan, Heritage Strategy 2027-2036, was approved for public consultation at a full Council Meeting last month.
Developed in partnership with ngā iwi o Te Tauihu and by engagement with heritage organisations, volunteers and community stakeholders, it sets out a vision for protecting and celebrating Marlborough's rich and diverse heritage.
The strategy aims to achieve five key outcomes, including:
• Improving knowledge and understanding of our heritage
• Strengthening its protection and stewardship
• Celebrating and sharing Marlborough’s stories
• Building stronger partnerships and leadership within the sector
• Supporting the sustainable use and resilience of heritage places and resources.
The consultation is accompanied by the new Heritage Insights 2026 report, which provides the first comprehensive picture of Marlborough's heritage resources. The report identifies 155 protected heritage places, 1,434 archaeological sites, 922 notable trees and a network of museums, heritage organisations and volunteers who help care for the region's heritage.
A Heritage Strategy Public Information Session will be held on Monday 23 November from 10am - 11am, for those wanting to learn more. Register your attendance here: https://marlboroughnz.com/events/mdc-heritage-strategy-2027-2036-public-information-session/
Public consultation is open now and closes 10 December. Have your say at https://haveyoursay.marlborough.govt.nz/
