30-06-2025
Have Your Say On The Future Of Picton's Powerhouse Reserve
The Trust responsible for a unique collection of buildings in Picton is keen for the community to have a say on its future.
The Picton Seaport Trust Board, made up of community and Council representatives, was formed at a Special General Meeting earlier this year to progress plans for the site.
Nicola Neilson, one of three Council representatives on the Trust, said this was a community-led project working to revitalise the old Powerhouse site on Wairau Road. Located beside the Picton skate park and comprising a collection of intriguing historic buildings and sheds, the Trust has identified an opportunity to develop the space into a vibrant hub for arts, environmental education, creativity and connection.
The buildings include the former isolation ward from Picton Hospital built in 1930, the Thorburn Gallery which was built in the early 1900s and once part of the Weka Pass Railway Station near Waipara and six boat sheds relocated from Picton Marina when it was redeveloped.
'The area has huge potential and the Trust has decided a community survey is the best way to gather input to help shape priorities for the site before formal strategic planning starts.
'We want to hear from the people of Marlborough to ensure that the space is developed in a way that reflects the community's ideas, needs and aspirations. The survey responses will help shape the vision, activities and priorities of the Powerhouse Reserve,' Mrs Neilson said.
Mrs Neilson said the Picton Seaport Trust (formerly the Picton Foreshore Trust) had originally negotiated a lease with Council for the site in 2004 when the Powerhouse Reserve was established.
'The Picton Seaport Trust's original vision was to promote Picton and its maritime heritage as a visitor destination, through the founding of a Maritime Heritage Reserve containing various projects and preservation of historic buildings, artefacts, and memorabilia,' she said.
'This would have included an early-1900s themed old-time movie house, where they would have shown their collection of early New Zealand historic and maritime films.'
The lease between Council and the Picton Seaport Trust expired in July 2021 and since then Council staff have coordinated the day-to-day administration of the reserve and its buildings.
'Now there is a new Trust established exclusively for charitable purposes who are keen to develop and promote the concept of an arts and environment-themed working village, fostering creativity, collaboration, and environmental stewardship.
'This development is intended to attract visitors, enhance the amenities available to the public, and provide an inclusive, educational environment focused on the arts and sustainable living,' Mrs Neilson said.
Once the future of the site is determined, the new Trust will apply for a resource consent to reflect the proposed wider community use of the Reserve and a new lease will be required.
The Powerhouse Reserve Community Engagement Survey takes around 5 minutes to complete and is available online until 30 July – to have your say go to:
