Fisherton Gateway project 'on schedule to finish this summer'

The £9 million Fisherton Gateway project, paid for by the government's Future High Streets Fund, is set to have all works finished on time.

The improvement works include widening pavements, introducing new street lighting, enhancing landscaping, improving street furniture and wayfinding, and introducing continuous footpaths at junctions to enhance pedestrian priority.

A one-way system has been in place since August 6, 2023, causing buses to divert down Castle Street.

Workers are focusing on improving the area around Summerlock Approach. (Image: Newsquest)

Councillor Caroline Thomas, Wiltshire's cabinet member for transport, street scene and flooding, said she is "pleased the works are still on schedule to complete this summer " and confirmed that some of the barriers have been removed to open up new paving around the Malthouse Lane area.

"Works will now be focussing on the area between Fisherton Bridge to Summerlock Approach," she added.

As previously reported by the Journal, several businesses along Fisherton Street had seen a rapid decline in footfall after the project began with several concerned whether they'd survive the winter.

Michelle Stevens was worried about how the disruption has affected business. (Image: Salisbury Journal)

Michelle Stevens, owner of the Flamingo Restaurant, said: "If we're not here when the work has finished, what's the point of spending millions on it?"

Cllr Thomas said: "We are aware that road improvements of this scale can cause some disruption and we apologise for any inconvenience caused.”