9 February 2026

Marlborough's town centres are showing signs of vitality with fewer vacant shops and improved street activation, according to the latest Town Centre Health Check presented to Council's Strategy and Community Partnerships Committee last month. The latest findings show mixed results for Blenheim and Picton: both centres are experiencing improved occupancy levels compared to 2024 but face different challenges.

The health check, undertaken every two years since 2011 for Blenheim and 2013 for Picton, measures a range of parameters including business composition, environmental quality, street vitality, user surveys and consumer spending.

Group Manager, Strategic Management, Neil Henry, says the health checks provide valuable long-term data to identify trends and changes in both town centres. “We now have over a decade of evidence showing how our town centres are evolving and where attention may be needed.”

Blenheim

Blenheim’s town centre recorded a total consumer spend of $275.3 million over December 2024 to November 2025, a 7.5% decline of $21.5 million from the previous period, reversing the trend of stabilising or growing spend since COVID.

However, there were positive signs with vacancies decreasing from 8% (27 units) to 5% (15 units), indicating growth and better utilisation of town centre spaces. Services increased significantly from 22% to 26% of businesses, the highest level recorded.

“The town continues to perform well in the look and feel of its street environment,” Mr Henry said. “People are spending more time in the town centre, with 63 per cent of survey respondents staying over an hour or more.”

The pedestrian survey of 280 respondents showed cafés/restaurants and non-food shopping remain the main reasons for visiting, though over half felt the town centre had not improved over the last two years. There’s a strong desire for a tidier, more vibrant town centre with greater Māori pride.

Seymour Square, the new library/art gallery, cafés and green spaces were identified as the most attractive features, while empty shops, rubbish, faded blue lamp posts, and seagulls/pigeons were the least attractive.

The town centre accounts for 32.9% of the district's total spend and 34.2% of transactions. Marlborough residents account for 80% of spending, with international visitors contributing 5% ($13 million).

Picton

Picton continues to perform consistently well, with total spend of $96.7 million, up $2.4 million from the previous health check. Transactions increased 1.9% to 2.1 million.

Vacancies decreased to 6% (9 units) from 8%, with improved street vitality where vacant properties were filled. Food and entertainment (23%), retailers (15%) and services (15%) remain the main business types.

The 112 survey respondents showed strong appreciation for the London Quay remodelling, with fewer people saying the town hadn’t improved compared to 2024. London Quay, the foreshore and Picton’s accessibility were identified as key attractions.

However, 58% said Picton meets their needs “most of the time”, down from 73% in 2024, with retail identified as the biggest gap.

Picton recorded its highest spending day on 31 December 2024 at $745,000, boosted by a cruise ship carrying 1,784 passengers and the Foreshore New Year’s Eve event.

The full report is available on Council’s website: Marlborough Town Centre Health Checks - Marlborough District Council

Quick facts:

Blenheim Town Centre

• Vacancies dropped from 8% (27 units) to 5% (15 units)
• 63% of visitors now spend over an hour in the town centre
• Service businesses increased to 26% (86 units) – the highest level recorded
• Total spend: $275.3 million (Dec 2024 – Nov 2025)
• Town centre contributes 32.9% to total Marlborough District spend
• Peak spending day: 23 December 2024 ($1.6 million)
• 280 survey responses (96% online, 4% in person)
• Marlborough residents account for 80% of spending
• 53% of visitors come to the town centre weekly

Picton Town Centre

• Total spend increased to $96.7 million (up $2.4 million)
• Vacancies improved from 8% to 6% (9 units)
• Transactions increased 1.9% to 2.1 million
• Peak spending day: 31 December 2024 ($745,000)
• Town centre contributes 11.6% to the total Marlborough District spend
• 75% of visitors come for cafés/restaurants
• 112 survey responses (92% online, 8% in person)
• Food and entertainment businesses represent 23% of the town centre composition
• London Quay remodelling identified as the most attractive feature

About the Health Check

• Conducted every two years since 2011 (Blenheim) and 2013 (Picton)
• Measures: business composition, transport, pedestrian routes, environment, street vitality, user surveys, and consumer spending
• Based on the UK local government model for testing town centre performance

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