What's left for the Salisbury River Park Project in 2024?
The project is nearing completion, according to Wiltshire Council
Wiltshire Council have given an update on the River Park project in Salisbury, after 2023 saw the transformation begin to take shape.
It's expected that the road bridge on Millstream Approach will soon be open for traffic early this year, while footbridges from the coach park to Central Car Park will also be completed in January.
New footbridges have also been installed at Fisherton Rec and to the north of the coach park, part funded by the £458,000 award from the Active Travel Fund Tranche 4.
They'll be open to pedestrians and cyclists, helping form an improved riverside path.
And work on building a new multi-use games area in Fisherton Rec is set to begin, while landscaping works will continue in the Spring.
A new Willow Bulb living sculpture has been created on Fisherton Rec by local artist Zac Newham. It will eventually become a more secluded area of the site once the willow's been allowed to flourish.
Over the coming years, Newham will be working with local groups to weave more willow into the structure, with some of that coming from the Willow trees by Ashley Road.
Additionally, three sets of table and benches for Fisherton Rec have been created, having been fabricated from locally felled trees. They're themed around three of the primary species of fish found in the River Avon: Salmon, Eel and Grayling.
Ron Curtis, Environment Agency Area Flood Risk Manager, said:
“It has been great to see the progress of this vital project over the last year, and especially to see how involved the community have been able to get in the works. This project is demonstrating how, working with our partners, we can provide many additional benefits for people and wildlife in Salisbury."
The River Park project aims to reduce flood risk to over 350 homes and businesses in the city, which will bring major ecological, amenity, walking and cycling benefits, while significantly improving biodiversity.