Salisbury Station Forecourt: £10 million of benefits predicted for city
A year of improvement works have now begun
It's predicted that the Salisbury Station Forecourt works over the next year will bring £10 million of economic benefits to the city.
Wiltshire Council's shared the figure as construction begins on the project that's costing £5.8 million.
The works will include new landscaping, with trees and shrubs planted, more street furniture like benches, and new 'wayfinding' to help visitors get around Salisbury more easily.
A new bus interchange is also planned, with improved lighting to made the area safer.
It's all aimed at boosting the first impressions of Salisbury for people arriving by train, and making it more accessible for regular station users.
Cllr Tamara Reay, Wiltshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport, said:
”I am delighted the improvement works are now starting. Not only does this scheme align with our Business Plan’s priorities of creating well-connected areas, it also underscores our commitment to nurturing thriving and vibrant city centres.
“We anticipate the Station Forecourt scheme will deliver over £10 million of economic benefits to the area and continues the significant investment in Salisbury city centre recently which includes the transformational Salisbury River Park scheme and the Fisherton Gateway improvement scheme.
"The enhancement work at Station Forecourt is estimated to take approximately one year to complete, with continuous access throughout the duration of the works. We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and advise rail customers to proactively plan their journeys in advance to minimise disruptions."
The work's also being backed by South Western Railway, which runs services in and out of Salisbury station.
Andrew Ardley, Regional Development Manager (West) at SWR, said:
“SWR is very grateful for the substantial financial and time commitment that Wiltshire Council has made in investing in our station forecourt. SWR has already invested over £750,000 in the scheme through our Customer and Communities Investment Fund, with the construction of the new cycle hub marking the first phase of the works.
“The scheme will make a real difference to our customers and will make the station a high-quality gateway which the city can be proud of. The changes will also enable us to have new direct local buses connecting with rail services which we know is really important to our customers.
“The scheme complements other recent improvements at the station including the refurbished waiting rooms, station re-painting and improvements to the subway which we hope to complete in the near future.
“We have worked closely with Wiltshire Council to ensure that temporary replacement parking spaces are available nearby at Central Car Park and will be opening the new station car park next to the Royal Mail depot later in the year.”
SWR has encouraged passengers that might need parking closer to platforms to consider using Andover station for the duration of the works.
The station's on the same main line to London, or Exeter.
Lewis Cowley, Regional Director for Milestone Infrastructure, said:
“The commencement of the construction phase follows several months of engagement with South Western Railway and Network Rail to agree the delivery methodology and ensure access for essential services to the station are retained.
“As Milestone, we are delighted to continue our work with Wiltshire Council in Salisbury in the delivery of public realm improvements.”