Activity Group: Regional Development MRC was set up in 1984 to ensure the Marlborough region makes the best use of Parking Length / Quantity its natural resources, by assisting innovative research and technical development in agricultural, pastoral, horticultural and viticultural matters. 339 kerbside metered, 1,238 off-street metered (includes Blenheim Car Parks 323 car park building), 412 off-street leased, 169 off-street Small Townships Programme time restricted. The Small Townships Programme (STP) provides a strategic planning and design Picton Car Parks 167 off-street metered, 34 off-street time restricted. process for improving public amenities in small townships as part of the implementation of the Growing Marlborough Strategy. Irrigation The purpose of this programme is to: Sourcing water for irrigation is of critical importance to our primary industries, design liveable towns with an attractive central space particularly in areas of water shortage such as south Marlborough. Council has • significant expertise and experience in providing water infrastructure in • enable freedom of movement, connectivity and accessibility Marlborough, and has developed an irrigation scheme for the Southern Valleys to the south of Renwick for horticultural, farming and rural residential properties • strengthen a sense of place and unique identity which covers an area of approximately 4,500 ha. The scheme is operated during enhance the use, enjoyment and pride in outdoor public spaces. the drier months of the year providing there is sufficient water available in the • Wairau River. Council has allocated 10% (around $50,000) of the Small Township Programme's annual budget for a Community Projects Fund. This funds small, low cost A proposed irrigation scheme for the Flaxbourne area, estimated to cost between infrastructure projects related to outdoor public spaces. Project examples include $10.5M and $16M, is under consideration. It would provide similar benefits to the community spaces, recreation areas, landscaping and streetscape upgrades to Southern Valley scheme in supporting the development of productive agricultural improve walking and cycling. land and it would be paid for by the beneficiaries through a targeted rate. Council has agreed to support the development of this scheme subject to a number of Parking conditions: A large number of businesses are located in or close to the main town centres of • securing sufficient water Blenheim and Picton. The ability for customers, staff and visitors to access these businesses is supported by the provision of convenient and affordable car parks, • satisfactory final design, estimates and funding as well as support for other transport modes such as buses, biking and walking. securing 100% commitment to fund the scheme from landowners and/or the Council provides, operates and maintains more than 1,900 on and off-street parks Crown Irrigation Fund in Blenheim and Picton. This service is contracted to Marlborough Roads, which currently sub-contracts parking enforcement to ADT Armourguard and the Cash • the actual cost of construction being within the funding secured. Collection contract, which is held by Gary Ching Ltd. In principle the Council supports other community irrigation schemes if This provision of car parking in the Blenheim and Picton town centres is guided by environmental effects can be managed and mitigated. The table below provides a parking strategies for each town, which were updated in 2017. Measurement of summary of the Southern Valleys’ Irrigation Scheme assets. parking occupancy levels in Blenheim is carried out by contract, and will possibly extend to Picton. The table below provides a summary of Blenheim and Picton kerbside and off-street parking numbers. 2018-2028 Long Term Plan Page 152