THREE architects concerned about the loss of Salisbury Bus Station and its impact on the city have teamed up to design a plan for its redevelopment.

Under the proposals put forward by Greg Condliffe, Paul Stevens and Patrick Wilson, there would be a ground level covered market on the site, with two further floors of development above.

In addition, the old fire station in Salt Lane would be converted into a low cost hotel, with the bedrooms above the covered market, set back from the street frontages.

Mr Condliffe, of Concrete Ideas Architects, said: “Salisbury is a market town and what it needs is to expand market trading; a new covered market on the bus station site would be an ideal counterbalance to the retailing proposed by Stanhope, the developer of the Maltings and Central Car Park.

“We believe the proposals for the Maltings will drag the centre for shopping away from the Market Place and Guildhall Square and accelerate the decline of the shopping streets east of the city centre.”

He said the plan will encourage commercial activities and expand opportunities for existing market traders.

Wider proposals include highway improvements to expand the Market Place across Blue Boar Row, with a coach drop-off point at the western end and a taxirank at the junction with Queen Street. Castle Street, south of Chipper Lane, would become oneway northbound while the oneway flow at the south end of Endless Street would be linked to Winchester Street, providing a dedicated bus street with access only for deliveries and taxis.

Mr Condliffe said: “These ideas do not conflict with the current improvements and build on the successful outcome of the long debate over the Market Place.”

Working in conjunction with Salisbury-based Paul Stevens Architecture and Patrick Wilson Architects of Pewsey, Mr Condliffe now plans to develop proposals for community engagement with Salisbury City Council, market traders, Wilts & Dorset bus company and Wiltshire Council.

The bus station is due to be sold this summer by Wilts & Dorset.