Construction of Salisbury River Park is marked by members of the partnership behind it.
Over 350 homes and businesses in Salisbury will no longer be at risk of flooding thanks to this groundbreaking £27 million project.
Additionally, it will establish 13 hectares of top-notch public open space, clear barriers to promote fish migration upstream, and develop 2 hectares of improved riverfront habitat for the benefit of wildlife.
Improved foot and bicycle lanes will also be advantageous for locals and guests.
The Environment Agency, Wiltshire Council, Salisbury City Council, and Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership are working together on the Salisbury River Park project.
The River Avon channel at the Central Car Park will be first dewatered so that work may begin in the river channel.
Additionally, excavation work will begin in Fisherton Recreation Ground and Central Car Park.
Ashley Road Open Space will see a temporary playground installed.
Additionally, Ashley Road foundation work for a flood defence wall will get underway.
The relocation of the allotment shop on Fisherton Recreation Ground will also begin this month with construction.
Until a decision is made on a more permanent building, this is first being placed into some temporary facilities at Fisherton Farm allotments on the opposite side of Fisherton Recreation Ground.
To enable the delivery of the buildings, the present gate entrance will need to be enlarged.
Salisbury City Council will convert the allotment shop and current restrooms into a concession stand and fully accessible restrooms, which will include baby change stations and a changing areas toilet, once the allotment shop has been relocated (which provides a changing bench, hoist and enough space for a carer).
When the new River Park is finished, these facilities will guarantee that every person of our neighbourhood can enjoy it.
Parking spaces will be temporarily eliminated to make room for a site complex and to protect public safety, which will have an ongoing impact on Central Car Park.
Where they are next to the work, a number of footpaths and cycling paths will be detoured and restored as soon as it is safe to do so.
There will be staff on site to offer assistance, and diversion routes will be prominently signposted.
When the project is finished, the walkways and bike lanes in the neighbourhood will receive significant upgrades.
The start of construction marks a crucial turning point for the Salisbury River Park, according to Ron Curtis, area flood and coastal risk manager for The Environment Agency.
This is the first step in giving the city stronger flood protection.
Because we are aware of the devastation that flooding may cause, protecting individuals and communities is our first responsibility. Working with our partners, we are quite enthusiastic about the additional advantages that this programme will provide to Salisbury residents and local animals.
It’s wonderful to hear that construction on this intriguing initiative has begun, according to Cllr. Dr. Mark McClelland, Cabinet Member for Transport, Waste, Street Scene, and Flooding, Wiltshire Council.
In accordance with Wiltshire Council’s Business Plan, creating sustainable ecosystems is a top priority.
The Salisbury River Park project completely supports the achievement of this objective.
I can’t wait to see this project come to life and leave a lasting impression on future generations.
Councilwoman Annie Riddle said:
The Salisbury City Council is excited to see the start of this new phase of construction because it will demonstrate the project’s significant transformational work while also creating a lovely place where locals and visitors can enjoy one of Salisbury’s great river assets.
Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership CEO Paddy Bradley stated:
Protecting the stunning and ancient city of Salisbury is made possible by this interesting and important effort.
The initiative will also plant 600 trees, revitalise the area’s natural habitat, open up more cycle and foot paths, and spare 350 houses and businesses from the trauma and disruption of flooding.
The area’s overall aesthetics will be enhanced, which will definitely boost tourism and contribute to the city’s economic recovery and expansion.
The main construction projects are expected to be finished in the spring of 2024.