Part of the works would take place on a 90-hectare block on Blenheim s southeast, between State Highway 1 and Alabama Rd, named “E2” in a geotechnical survey commissioned by the council in 2012. The study found the land had a high risk of liquefaction and lateral spread, and should not be built on. The ruling bankrupted a family looking to subdivide, said councillor David Oddie at an assets and services meeting late last month. The ruling was re-confirmed in Marlborough s new environment plan last year. Council rivers and drainage engineering manager Geoff Dick said although the stormwater project s final design did not accommodate for expansion east, the issue had been looked at.
Houses could be built in Blenheim s quake-prone east with innovative engineering, says a councillor concerned that its subdivision potential is not being catered for.
Work has begun on the Wai-iti subdivision in Blenheim.
Photo: STUFF / Scott Hammond
The eastern edge of Blenheim has been ruled out for urban expansion since the Christchurch earthquakes caused liquefaction that wrecked homes, streets and backyards a decade ago.
The issue resurfaced as the Marlborough District Council plans major pipelines along Redwood St and Alabama Rd, through the eastern area., to prevent new sections from flooding drains.
The council estimated the works would cost $17.4 million and take up to five years to complete. The first round of upgrades - burying an 80-metre-long culvert - has been completed.