Revised Picton waterfront plan released

A new plan for the development of prime Picton waterfront land has been released.

Initial plans for the London Quay area were criticised by those who did not like proposed buildings on stilts, the number of apartments and a lack of space for waterfront operators.

The new plan, which will go on public display on Friday, greatly reduces the amount of residential and temporary accommodation on the site, said Marlborough Mayor Alistair Sowman.

Residential activity was now kept to a single building on the edge of Wellington Street, which would also provide space for potential community use.

Several buildings had been provided for tourism operators and related commercial use.

Existing arrangements for berthing and loading were kept, and there would be a public boardwalk along the water's edge, said Sowman.

The plan will go on display in the yacht club convention centre on Friday and in the Mariners Mall from Saturday. Members of the working group that revised the plan will be there to answer questions.

This thread would be a perfect place for the Picton pictures................:)

From the Herald (http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/1/story.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10480508):
Cook Strait ferry could shift from Picton
1:35PM Wednesday December 05, 2007

There is support for a Government proposal to shift the Cook Strait ferry terminal away from Picton to Clifford Bay, which lies just near Blenheim.

The idea has emerged as part of a draft coastal shipping strategy, which submissions are now being taken on.

Federated Farmers transport spokesman Donald Aubrey says there will be better transport options from the proposed Clifford Bay site. He says at the moment, trains cannot go into Picton without extra help, but that would not be the case in Clifford Bay.

Mr Aubrey says the travel time between Wellington and the South Island would be slashed and there would be environmental benefits from less traffic going through the Marlborough Sounds.

I'd like to see this one seriously considered. It could have several benefits, including:

Shortening road and rail distance to Christchurch (by approx 60km).
Faster ferry crossings - no sounds speed restrictions and shorter crossing.
Bypasses the two steepest rail grades on the line to Christchurch.


Be a bit unfortunate for Picton though - they'd have to reinvent themselves.

From the Herald (http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/1/story.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10480508):


I'd like to see this one seriously considered. It could have several benefits, including:

Shortening road and rail distance to Christchurch (by approx 60km).
Faster ferry crossings - no sounds speed restrictions and shorter crossing.
Bypasses the two steepest rail grades on the line to Christchurch.


Be a bit unfortunate for Picton though - they'd have to reinvent themselves.

I think Picton would have no problems selling its self as a cruise destination.

Yes to a new ferry terminal at Clifford bay (this one has been around for years). I still think they need to reintroduce the overnight sailings from CHC to WGN again.

What is Clifford Bay like? A slightly more convenient location might be nice, but the ferry trip between the two islands is more than a simple convenience, it's also an experience - Picton is a very pleasant gateway to the SI and that also needs to be taken into account. Also, Picton is well-served by shops and facilties, and has a plethora of cafes, restaurants, etc. When people get off the boat they often want to go for a meal or whatever - I don't think I'd care about a 60km reduction in my trip if it meant getting off in the middle of nowhere (so to speak) instead of lovely Picton.

I agree that a service from CHC to WGN would be excellent. Two of NZ's great cities joined by a dedicated ferry service - THAT I would love to see!

From a passenger point of view, Picton is a nice place to arrive.

The benefits I listed apply mostly to freight, but then that's what makes the service viable. Previous companies that tried mostly passenger services with fast ferries found this out by going bust.

I agree that a service from CHC to WGN would be excellent. Two of NZ's great cities joined by a dedicated ferry service - THAT I would love to see!

We had this service for many, many years. Large interisland ferries that would link CHC and WGN with an overnight and early morning slot. It all stropped because of Trade Union troubles.:ohno:

Ah, that's a shame. I imagine at the CHC end it docked at Lyttleton? I think this would be a great trip to do during daylight - would be really scenic sailing past the Kaikoura coast.

Ah, that's a shame. I imagine at the CHC end it docked at Lyttleton? I think this would be a great trip to do during daylight - would be really scenic sailing past the Kaikoura coast.

yes on all accounts.

Potential for 600 new jobs (http://www.stuff.co.nz/marlborough-express/5212924/Potential-for-600-new-jobs)

Metroman, can you please just quote the article text as well? People generally won't bother clicking links if they don't know what they're about.

There hasn't been a realevant post on this forum in god knows how long.

There hasn't been a realevant post on this forum in god knows how long.

Take a look at how I have amended your posts, please go back and fix them. From now on I expect you to follow that format and thank you for your co-operation.

If you could just explain which icon on the chatbox, as you really didn't explain it.

If you could just explain which icon on the chatbox, as you really didn't explain it.

Copy the headline text and paste it into SSC .... Copy the link of the web page that you always post .... Highlight the headline text and click on the icon with the little earth ball and chain link ... Insert the webpage address into that and voila.

Once you know how to do it, please go and fix all your recent posts. Thanks.

Clifford Bay makes a whole lot more sense purely from a freight and national logistics persepective. Potentially it could also see the re-introduction of fast ferries.There would no longer be any restrictions on speed as there was in the sounds. However, I would also be sad to see the ferry leave Picton. Picton is a great spot and a nice place for tourists to be welcomed to the Mainland...Clifford Bay??? not so much...