Salisbury Station Forecourt works to start next week
Wiltshire Council's revealed more details about the revamp
The final designs for the Salisbury Station Forecourt have been approved, with prep works starting as soon as Monday (3rd June).
The £5.8 million project will 'revamp' the entrance to Salisbury for many visitors, with the aim of creating a 'more welcoming first impression' while also being more accessible.
The prep works next week will include trial holes to confirm where underground utilities are based, along with soil testing and surveys.
The proper works will then start from Monday 10th June.
What's planned?
The project's expected to take a year to complete, with three phases within that time.
There'll be lots of new landscaping, with trees and shrubs planted and more modern 'street furniture' like benches and improved lighting.
A bus interchange will also be added on site, to make it easier for people to go on to other parts of South Wiltshire directly from the station.
New 'wayfinding systems' are also planned, to better point visitors towards the city centre, using Fisherton Street as the main route.
The plans area said to take inspiration from the station's existing character, but also reflect the style and palette of materials used on the Fisherton Gateway scheme.
What does it mean for passengers and those using Salisbury train station?
The main change is the removal of car parking on the forecourt of Salisbury station - except for Blue Badge holders.
Long stay parking on the western end of the existing car park will remain though.
Wiltshire Council say alternative parking is available at Central Car Park, with a new car park being developed on Fisherton Street.
That will be next to the Salisbury Royal Mail Delivery Office, and is due to open later this year.
Taxi bays, the Stonehenge bus and rail replacement buses will still use the forecourt throughout.
Cllr Tamara Reay, Wiltshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport, said:
“As we gear up to start these important improvements, we are asking rail customers to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys. A scheme of this nature will cause some disruption so by being prepared we hope Salisbury Railway Station will continue to operate effectively.
“This is the second scheme being funded by the £9.4 million investment via the government’s Future High Streets Fund and supports our Business Plan to create and support well-connected, vibrant city centres.”
Andrew Ardley, Regional Development Manager (West), South Western Railway, added:
“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 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.”