A Town Centre Strategy for Waitohi Picton

A Town Centre Strategy (TCS) for Waitohi Picton.

How and why

•A shared vision delivered via a sustainable town centre strategy (TCS) with short- and long-term implementation. Consideration of physical intervention and the economic and social benefits it can bring to the town centre, its residents, and its businesses. A Town Centre Vision – Strategy - Action Plan.
•A strong partnership between the town centre community and its local authority. Working together toward a shared vision.
•A strong connective support group that includes business owners, local and regional agencies, and strong ward councillor representation (Picton Business Group).
•A strong understanding of the towns unique attributes and values, deliverable as an agreed identity / brand. A towns distinctiveness is critical to its success.
•A considered retail outlet plan that includes long term forecast management. Encouraging Indigenous, locally owned businesses to operate and thrive in the community.
•Plentiful low cost and free parking opportunities.
•A strong understanding of the town centre’s role and value to residents.
•A designed maintenance program with agreed deliverables, which suits the towns’ identity and usage.
•Development and refurbishment of run down and derelict CBD based buildings (MDC & Private Investors). MDC’s proposed development plan?
•A strong relationship between the town centre community and Marlborough’s place marketing agency / RTO. Delivery of agreed values and attributes.
•An annual progress report, compiled by PBG and the MDC to highlight delivery and progress of the vision via the strategic action plan.

I would recommend that in the short term, PBG along with the MDC adopt a short-term regeneration plan (as part of the above TCS) focusing on a smaller number of priorities and actions, to concentrate resources and investment in basic essential items, which have been neglected since 2008.
There will be a strong and defined need for a meaningful partnership between PBG and the MDC, with active ongoing consultation, mutual trust to deliver action and an understanding that the achievement of the vision is as valuable to the broader region, as it is to Picton.
Delivering projects in town centres requires coordination with a range of stakeholders and local authority. Coordinated delivery is key and it is critical that a local authority and its various departments, work closely with town centre businesses, their owners and with residents.
The MDC’s CBD Health Check report and annual resident satisfaction survey must include the surveyance of Picton CBD Businesses, their owners and Picton residents as defined groups. Currently, it is impossible to quantify a Picton view in either report.

1. A town centre strategy is important because it provides a unified plan for managing economic, social, and environmental changes, helping to create a vibrant, functional, and attractive hub for the community. These strategies address challenges like online shopping and underinvestment by guiding development, prioritizing community needs, and creating a clear vision for the future. This leads to a thriving centre that supports local businesses, housing, and community services, ultimately contributing to the overall wellbeing of the town and its residents.  

2. Waitohi Picton is the only town in New Zealand without a Strategy. 

3 Picton and the Sounds has been in negative growth for more than 40% of the last twenty years. Marlborough needs more economic growth.