As work on the London Quay upgrade in Picton marks the halfway point, the doors of businesses along Picton’s much loved waterfront strip are very much open for customers.

The Diversion Gallery owner Barbara Speedy, also part of the Picton Business Group, said the Fulton Hogan team and Council had communicated well with those affected and this was appreciated.

“We are keen for the public to know we are all still open for business and there is plenty to take in, including good food and wine, as the upgrade work continues. A lot of people didn’t realise the watermains and stormwater needed replacing and relocating, so it’s good to see Council taking the opportunity to combine that essential infrastructure project with simultaneous improvements,” she said.

Council’s Project and Contract Manager Maighan Watson said the London Quay Revitalisation Project was focussed on essential infrastructure upgrades, while delivering a landscape refresh of London Quay.

“We have adopted a ‘dig once’ approach to minimise the disruption to the Picton CBD, local businesses and users of the area. We appreciate the support of all the directly affected businesses as well as those close by such as Brereton Jewellers and Diamond Nails.

“Several essential infrastructure upgrades were required in this area, including streetlight upgrades, watermain renewals and road resurfacing.”

Ms Watson said the contractor, Fulton Hogan, was making great progress with the underground infrastructure now completed, including watermains, stormwater upgrades and ducting for new streetlights.

“Around 350m² of new paving has been laid with the southern section of the footpath now reopened to the public. The old pavers around the War Memorial have also been replaced, and work has started on the stepped pedestrian connection to the Foreshore which is a real feature of the revitalisation.

“September will see more some progress above ground with the installation of new streetlights and starting the landscaping works,” Ms Watson said.

The site holds cultural significance for local iwi, Te Ātiawa (Waitohi Pā), and Council has worked in partnership with the iwi to integrate cultural design elements throughout the upgrade.

The project, scheduled for completion by mid-October, was awarded to Fulton Hogan with design led by Rough Milne Mitchell Landscape Architects.

Funding for the project has been provided through Council’s forestry, land and port income, with no impact on rates.

For more information, go to Council’s website at www.marlborough.govt.nz and search ‘Picton CBD - London Quay Revitalisation Project’.

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