Cultural moves get thumbs up

BY CHERIE HOWIE

Residents have backed many of the revitalisation proposals for Blenheim's town centre, including plans to move the library, opening a new art gallery and improving green areas.

However, suggested changes to street lamps were rejected, and other ideas, such as the introduction of traffic lights, received multiple negative comments.

Public feedback was sought on a range of large-scale and small-scale renewal projects suggested by planners Urbanism Plus.

A report on the 306 submissions received was presented to the Marlborough District Council's environmental policy committee on Monday.

Submission forms allowed residents to show how much they agreed or disagreed with the proposals by giving a number between one (disagree) and five (agree).

Moving the library across the road to the Civic Theatre and State Insurance site won the biggest backing, with 65 per cent of submitters in favour. Thirteen per cent disagreed, while the remaining respondents were neutral, slightly in favour or slightly against.

"[I] can't wait to see that revolting building [Noel Leeming/theatre] be redeveloped into a new library and art gallery," confessed one submitter.

The proposal to build an art gallery next to the library had strong support – 54 per cent in favour compared with 20 per cent against.

Suggested riverside parks were popular, with support at 63 per cent, and 7 per cent against.

A proposed pocket park in Queen St got the thumbs up from most, as did increasing the number of trees and improving footpaths.

The only idea that did not find favour with most respondents was proposed changes to street lamps, with 31 per cent against the idea and 24 per cent in favour.

Suggestions to improve Blenheim's street network received wide support, with 40 per cent in favour compared with 17 per cent against, but some of the ideas concerned some submitters. Nearly 50 urged against traffic lights, while others called for fewer lights than suggested by the planners.

Eleven submitters did not want the central Blenheim section of State Highway 1 to become a bypass, while five thought it was a good idea.

Some residents did not want to see any of the ideas take shape.

"No to everything. Where is the money going to come from? Many ratepayers do not have any extra money," wrote one.

That question will now be faced by the council, with the next step to prioritise the proposed renewal projects and begin looking at funding options.

There was also a wide range of comments on other issues, including the planned new Civic Theatre and even frost fans.

"Why are grape farmers allowed to make noise during the night when other people cannot sleep?" asked one submitter, even though the frost-fighting devices are not the subject of the plans to improve Blenheim's CBD.

- The Marlborough Express