Alfresco dining sought

A year after setting up a cafe in Blenheim’s town centre, the owners of Herb and Olive are looking to tap into alfresco dining.

Owners Alexandra and Richard Barton want to add nine outdoor tables to their High St business, at the expense of two metered car parks.

Richard Barton said it was part of their long-term vision for the cafe – and a way to encourage alfresco dining in the town’s central business district (CBD). They also wanted to have a liquor license approved down the line.

‘‘Part of that will be putting together a wine-friendly menu. During summer we get a really good amount of sun on that space so it would be nice for customers to sit outside and have a glass of wine and some food.’’

The seating area was proposed at a council assets and services meeting on Wednesday. The idea, similar to a concept Ritual developed four years ago, had been approved by Marlborough Roads manager Steve Murrin and the cafe’s neighbouring business MCN Computer Network. The Blenheim Business Association also supported it. All costs would be covered by the Bartons.

The outdoor area, with wooden flooring, would not be permanently fixed to the ground, so if the Bartons were to sell the council would not be left with the cost of reinstatement.

The space of about 24 square metres would also have 720-millimetre high planter boxes, consistent with others around the Blenheim CBD to provide protection from passing traffic.

‘‘We’re trying to create a good environment for the summer,’’ Barton said. ‘‘Particularly on the weekend, when you get tourists through, it would be nice to have an outside space.’’

Based on the Blenheim footpath rental rate of $31 meters squared per annum, the annual rent would be $744, a council assets and services report said.

The report also said it would have an added benefit of improving the streetscape and vibrancy of the CBD.

Councillor Cynthia Brooks supported the plan on Wednesday, so long as it could be removed. ‘‘Sometimes things change, we need to keep that in mind,’’ Brooks said.

The proposal was forwarded to full council for consideration. If approved, Barton hoped to have it ready for summer next year.