Salisbury River Park: Prep work getting underway
It's the first step in the project, aimed at reducing flooding in the city
We'll start to see the first bits of work for the Salisbury River Park scheme taking place from the end of January.
It's being carried out by the Environment Agency, Wiltshire Council and Salisbury City Council, to help cut the flood risk for 250 homes, 100 businesses and a school.
The project will also improve our access to green spaces and the Avon riverside.
The initial work will include the removal of trees around the Millstream coach park area and towards Waitrose before the nesting bird season starts, as well as cutting back some other vegetation.
Water voles living in the works area will also be trapped and relocated to a suitable new habitat further downstream.
WHAT DOES THE WORK MEAN FOR US?
During the six week period of the initial works, we can expect to see some parking spaces in Central Car Park temporarily removed, to allow for a site office to be put in, as well as for our safety.
The footpaths and cycle routes running through the works area will also need to be temporarily diverted at times.
We're also being reassured that any trees that are removed for the scheme will be replaced six fold, with the vegetation taken away replanted where possible.
The plans for the first phase of the Salisbury River Park scheme were approved last month.
Ron Curtis, Area Flood and Coastal Risk Manager at The Environment Agency said:
“We have reached the important stage of preparing the Salisbury River Park site ready for construction to begin later this year. This is the first step in providing better flood protection for the city. We know the devastating impact that flooding can have, which is why protecting people and communities is our top priority.”
Councillor Dr Mark McClelland, Cabinet Member for Transport, Waste, Street Scene and Flooding at Wiltshire Council, said:
“The Salisbury River Park project is the first initiative from the Salisbury Central Area Framework to come forward and we are excited to see works starting on the site at the end of the month. It has real potential to transform the area providing a lasting legacy for future generations.”
Cllr Caroline Corbin from Salisbury City Council said:
“This is an exciting project for Salisbury – both in terms of creating a wildlife pathway and enhancing our rivers but also in developing a greener city for our residents to enjoy. I’m delighted that the works are now starting and ask that everyone remain tolerant during the construction process.”
Once the initial works are completed, we can expect to see the main construction works getting underway from May this year, with the whole project likely to take until December 2023 to be finalised.