Visitor hub to enliven old area
BY MICHAEL BERRY
The vision: An artist's impression of the new Blenheim i-Site, which is to be built adjacent to the Blenheim railway station. The railway station will also be refurbished.
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A new $1.4 million Blenheim i-Site building will be combined with the historic railway station to create a greater visitor hub that Marlborough residents can be proud of, the architect says.
Wellington-based Studio of Pacific Architecture architect Stephen McDougall designed the building, which will become the new home for the Blenheim i-Site and Destination Marlborough.
The i-Site staff will have to lug their things only a few metres when the new building is finished. It will go up in the car park opposite the railway station, where they are based.
The Marlborough District Council will pay for the new i-Site building while KiwiRail will pay to refurbish its railway station.
The two buildings would be linked by a central courtyard, Mr McDougall said.
The i-Site building had been designed with Blenheim's climate and landscape in mind and would complement the railway station.
"Together they will create a complementary visitor hub that will instil a sense of pride in the region."
The railway station is expected to be turned into an internet cafe and waiting area. It will continue to sell train tickets and will have a luggage storage area.
KiwiRail project manager Mark Baylis said the state-owned company wanted to help make the area more vibrant.
"KiwiRail is in the early phases of the project but is pleased to be a part of the team that is focused on enlivening the station area."
KiwiRail had not finalised the cost of refurbishment, which would depend on the tenants going in to the building.
Destination Marlborough general manager Tracy Johnston said the new i-Site building would benefit tourism by better showcasing what it had for visitors.
"This will create a platform to promote our region that is worthy of the experience visitors have when they come to Marlborough."
The project will be done by July 2011, ready for the Rugby World Cup. Work starts in November.
The Blenheim and Picton i-Sites are run by Destination Marlborough.
- The Marlborough Express
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Very ordinary and detracts from the current loverly sweeping view of the railway station. Why not build something simpathetic to the heritage area and to the side so the views arn't blocked.