The Maltings: Original redevelopment plans 'no longer viable'

It comes as possible funding for the proposed plans has been taken out of Wiltshire Council's budget. 

Lib Dem councillor Brian Dalton raised the issue at the full Wiltshire Council meeting in February. 

Addressing council leader Richard Clewer, Cllr Dalton said: "Two years ago in the 2022/2023 budget there was £31.2million allocated for the Maltings redevelopment. I had some then that something would be done. 

"Last year, there was £33million, but not in last year's budget, it was kicked two year's down the road, to 2025/2026, and I remember speaking last year about that that and being disappointed at having to wait two more years for something to be done."

In this year's Wiltshire Council budget, it says regarding the Maltings:  "The original proposal is no longer an option and although dialogue continues with the current leaseholder, any new scheme and associated required commitment from the council will be considered in a future report."

Cllr Dalton then added: "When? What year? 10? 15? Next year? Next month? Can we have some dialogue?". 

Wiltshire Council leader Richard Clewer said in response: "The Maltings is not in the Capital Plan for a couple of really good reasons. 

"Firstly, it has been in there for a long time and there have been unachievable lines in the capital plan, and we have taken The Maltings out because at this point in time, with the River Park project not yet complete, and with discussions with a developer who is leaning towards wanting to put houses over the entire site, which does not seem to be within the ambitions of this administration.

"We are looking to complete the River Park project and see what is possible, and see how we can work with a developer who is perhaps being a little strident and not terribly collaborative at the moment."

Cllr Clewer added that The Maltings is not currently deliverable, which is why is has been removed from the funding plan. 

He said that when the council know how and when any redevelopment is possible "something will need to be worked up and it will need to go through planning, and when that happens we will make sure there is capital allocation in there". 

Speaking to this newspaper, Cllr Dalton said: "My concern is when they will come back with any plan? My guess is five to 10 years at a minimum and what state will the Maltings then look like?

The redevelopment has been in the pipeline for many years, and has been delayed several times. 

The most recent delay came in October 2020 when it was announced that the funding for it had been reallocated to the River Park project. 

The Local Growth Fund grant that was to be used to deliver the library element is time limited and had to be spent last year. 

Wiltshire Council leader Richard Clewer

Cllr Clewer said the council still has the ambition to redevelop the Maltings, but that they are not going to do anything for the sake of it. 

Cllr Clewer told the Journal in November 2022 the long-planned redevelopment will still happen "at some point in the future". 

As well waiting for the River Park project to be completed, Cllr Clewer wants a review of parking provision in Salisbury before any plans are tabled, and doesn't want to see large sections of the Maltings given away to housing. 

You can view the Wiltshire Council budget here.