3.2.1 Marlborough Urban Growth Strategy In 2009 the Council embarked on a major project to develop a comprehensive urban growth strategy for Marlborough region. At that time the population projections based on previous census were estimating growth over the next 25 years of approximately 9,300 additional residents across the region. The population estimate was used to inform a major consultative process with both the public and council staff and other expert stake holders. The quantity of land required was evaluated and areas with potential to be developed into urban growth pockets identified. Underlying the project it was assumed that growth would occur around existing settlement nodes. The Canterbury earthquakes occurred during development of the strategy and early drafts had to be revised after and land around Blenheim, particularly to the east, was assessed as susceptible to liquefaction and lateral spread in the event of a large earthquake. Thefinal strategy document was accepted by Council and published in March 2013. The1 strategy forms a valuable platform for planning future capacity upgrades to all services. For Blenheim seven land parcels to the west and north of the town were identified as suitable for zoning for Urban-Residential development. A total area of around 240 hectares of urban- residential and a further 53 hectares of employment land is ear-marked for development. 1 Growing Marlborough - A Strategy for the Future. District-wide Overview and Decision Summary (March 2013) Page 36