Salisbury River Park: Footpaths finally reopened

We can now get between Central Car Park, Waitrose and Five Rivers

Author: Faye TryhornPublished 31st May 2024

After almost a year closed due to the Salisbury River Park scheme, a busy footpath in the city has been fully reopened.

The link between the Central Car Park, the Waitrose retail park and Ashley Road green is open for walkers and cyclists again.

The pathway from Ashley Road to Five Rivers Leisure Centre reopened earlier this month too.

The new footpaths are flatter and wider than before, with a total of 650m of improved cycle routes and 1,600m of improved footpaths created during the River Park project.

The decking over the River Avon at the bottom end of Central Car Park has been refreshed

Cllr Richard Clewer, Leader of Wiltshire Council, said:

“It is a key priority for us, to have vibrant, well-connected communities and that we have an efficient and effective transport network offering viable alternatives to the car.

"We are delighted that this key walking and cycling route into Salisbury has now reopened, which will not only encourage more people to visit and spend time in the city centre and to take in the beautiful new surroundings that the River Park scheme has to offer, but also comes with the added benefits of reducing carbon emissions and improving the air quality in the area.

“We can’t wait to see the final stages of the project take shape and look forward to the project being completed later this year.”

What is Salisbury River Park?

It's a multi-million scheme by the Environment Agency, Wiltshire Council and Salisbury City Council to reduce the flood risk for 350 homes and businesses.

The works also aim to improve our access to the riverside and boost biodiversity.

The main part of the project is due to be completed on site this summer, with all the remaining paths opened to the public.

Further seeding and planting will happen over the remainder of the year, based on when the best time is for the particular type of planting.

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