Editorial: Costs need not halt progress

OPINION: The Marlborough public has had a say on the 120 proposals put forward by planners Urbanism Plus for the redesign of central Blenheim.

Council had sought public feedback on a range of large-scale and small-scale renewal projects suggested by the company. The proposals were generated after consultation with Blenheim business owners, residents and other interested parties.

More than 300 submissions were received and a report on the submissions was presented to the Marlborough District Council's environmental policy committee on Monday.

As expected, there were mixed views on many of the proposals. The majority of submitters backed plans to move the library, the opening of a new art gallery and the improvement of green areas. However, the idea of installing traffic lights in Blenheim received multiple negative comments.

Some submitters even took the opportunity to express their opinions on things not contained in the original draft plan.

The most disappointing submission though was the one that read: "No to everything. Where is the money going to come from?"

What a shame it would be if everyone in the community adopted such a negative attitude. We would still be stuck in the dark ages using candles to light our caves and cooking our food over open fires.

When your clothes get too old and don't fit anymore, you go to the shop and buy new clothes. You don't simply walk around in ill-fitting rags and say "Where's the money going to come from?".

We need to move forward. Stagnation is not an option and anyone who thinks it is, is doing Marlborough – and themselves – a disservice. Blenheim's CBD for the most part functions relatively well but there are things that can and must be done if we are to meet the challenges of a growing, modern community. Some of our facilities are too small or simply not suitable for their current purpose anymore.

The question of where the money for these project will come from have to be answered by our councillors, who now need to prioritise the proposed renewal projects and begin looking at funding options for them.

Despite what some may think, not all progress will lead to rates increases. Council has other funding options and sources that could be used for some of these proposals without hitting ratepayers in the pocket.

While on matters of funding, it is good to see that the Civic Theatre Trust and the Combined Clubs of Marlborough appear to have reached a compromise on the positioning of the new theatre. Hopefully those tasked with raising the money to build a new theatre can now get on with their business, unhindered by doubts and uncertainty over where the building will be situated.

- The Marlborough Express