B1 - Waitohi-Picton lower High Street upgrade and The Whale Trail

This submission by Picton Business Group is one of six regarding the economic wellbeing of Waitohi-Picton, for the benefit of residents, businesses and visitor experience, with a flow-on benefit to the wider Marlborough community. Please refer to our submission ‘A1 – Strategic direction for Waitohi-Picton’ for the context of this and all submissions.

Picton Business Group submission B1 – Waitohi-Picton Lower High Street upgrade and The Whale Trail

Picton Business Group seeks funding for the immediate commencement of planning for the redesign and upgrade of Picton CBD’s lower High Street.

This section of High Street is outdated, run-down, and—in parts—a genuine health and safety risk. Paving tiles are slippery, cracked, and damaged, creating trip hazards, and public chattels are mismatched. Painted railings are faded and inconsistent in colour. With the upgrades to Upper High Street and London Quay now completed, PBG believes it is the right time to progress the redevelopment of lower High Street to complete the modernisation of the Picton CBD.

A key component of this redevelopment is the integration of The Whale Trail, which is currently finalising the design of the pathway into Picton. Picton Business Group strongly supports the vision of The Whale Trail running down High Street to the foreshore—a shared space that thoughtfully incorporates pedestrians, cyclists, and motor vehicles. This includes maintaining vehicle parking and loading zones while adding cycle-friendly design elements such as secure bike parking and facilities consistent with those found in other successful cycle-trail townships.

The value of a fully functional cycle trail for Picton and the broader Marlborough region should not be underestimated. Comparable trails, such as the Alps to Ocean and the Otago Rail Trail, clearly demonstrate the substantial and measurable return on investment these projects generate. Increased visitor nights, higher hospitality and retail spend, and broader benefits to support industries all contribute to meaningful regional economic growth.

Beyond the alignment with The Whale Trail, the upgrade of lower High Street addresses urgent safety issues and delivers a long-overdue refresh of one of Picton’s key commercial areas. Modernising this section will ensure the town remains attractive, safe, and functional for both residents and visitors. Completing the redevelopment will create a cohesive and welcoming CBD environment, strengthening Picton’s appeal as a destination and supporting local businesses through increased foot traffic and enhanced public amenity.

Investing in the planning and redevelopment of lower High Street is an investment in Picton’s vibrancy, functionality, and reputation as an important hub within Marlborough. It will ensure the town continues to thrive and positively represent the wider region. As Picton is a major conduit for visitors into the region, there will be considerable flow-on benefits to the wider Marlborough community.

About the Submitter:

Picton Business Group represents members from the business community in the wider Waitohi-Picton area, from Koromiko through to Waikawa, and Totaranui-Queen Charlotte Sound; with membership across commercial, industrial, retail, tourism, arts & culture and maritime sectors. With their support we lead and advocate for Waitohi-Picton to be a well-planned, appealing and sustainable business environment, empowering existing and new businesses to reach their potential with confidence