Salisbury's Coach Park finally reopens after makeover
Work's been carried out since January as part of the River Park project
Salisbury's Coach Park has reopened to traffic, along with the footpaths through the Central Car Park, after more than ten months of works.
The Millstream Approach site was closed in January by Wiltshire Council and the Environment Agency, as part of the Salisbury River Park project.
It's undergone an 'extensive makeover' with the aim of giving passengers arriving in the city 'enhanced facilities and a more welcoming experience'.
There's now six coach spaces for drop-offs and pick-ups, with ten spaces for longer stays in the Central Car Park.
Improved drainage and lighting, signage for the city centre and new landscaping's been added too, along with a pocket park next to the Elai restaurant.
A welcome area with seating and an information board has been created close to the new footbridge, with the toilet block brightened up with a vibrant mural from local artist, Fred Fieber, which represents the ecology within the rivers local to Salisbury.
There's changes for drivers to, with the Mill Stream Approach Bridge also reopened to traffic.
Cars are still being allowed to enter Central Car Park from Avon Approach for the time being, but that will shortly be returned as an access for HGVs only.
Cllr Tamara Reay, Wiltshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport, said:
“We are delighted the Coach Park works have been finished to such a high standard offering a great first impression for people visiting Salisbury.
“To maximise Salisbury’s potential as a prime destination and to boost our visitor economy, it is important we provide high quality facilities for coaches and passengers eager to explore our historic medieval city.”
The Environment Agency will continue to have a presence in the Central Car park over the coming months whilst final elements of the scheme and snagging issues are picked up.
There will also be further seasonal works to be completed in Spring 2025 to complete the final scheme.
Ron Curtis, Environment Agency Wessex Area Flood Risk Manager, said:
“The Environment Agency is pleased to have been able to complete this element of the River Park Project alongside Wiltshire Council and Salisbury City Council. Alongside the benefits it will bring to visitors to Salisbury, it will help reduce flood risk and improve the water quality within the River Avon. We look forward to now seeing the remaining elements of work completed in the other parts of the River Park scheme.”