VARIOUS stakeholders in the city centre gathered to mark the first phase of the River Park project "nearing completion". 

The Environment Agency, Wiltshire Council, Salisbury City Council, partners, and local representatives met on Friday morning for a tour of the first phase, which runs from Ashley Road to the Coach Park. 

(Image: Spencer Mulholland)

Work has included:

  • Building new flood embankments and flood walls through Fisherton Recreation Ground and along Ashley Road, up to 1.4m high
  • Creating a new channel and wetland area through Fisherton, complete with new boardwalks, play areas and planting
  • Creating a 50m wide green park through the Central Car Park area to allow for flood waters when needed
  • Creating over 650m of new and improved cycle routes and 1,600m of footpaths to improve access to the area and encourage more active travel

The River Avon is a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to its internationally renowned chalk stream habitats. Replacing the old radial gate with fish-friendly rock weirs and removing other barriers to fish passage now allows all fish species to migrate safely up and downstream.

Enhanced wetland and woodland, with more than 600 new trees planted, has also improved habitat and foraging opportunities for other species, including water voles, otters, bats and birds.

Construction began in summer 2022 and despite some unavoidable delays, caused by challenges like the exceptionally wet 2023/24 winter – the wettest in the Avon catchment since records began in 1871 – the project has still been delivered successfully.

Most of the works are now complete, with further planting and seeding due to take place over winter.

Attendees at Friday’s event, including Alan Lovell, Chair of the Environment Agency, will tour the site and hear about the benefits the scheme brings to Salisbury and the partnership working that made it possible.

Alan Lovell said: “Salisbury River Park is testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in tackling the challenges of climate change, flood risk and habitat restoration.

“Through strong partnerships, we have improved flood resilience in central Salisbury, delivered significant environmental benefits along its vital watercourses and boosted community well-being with new urban green space.

“Thank you to everyone involved in bringing this project to fruition.”

L-R: Alan Lovell, Cllr John Wells and Cllr Richard Clewer  (Image: Spencer Mulholland)

Councillor Richard Clewer, Leader of Wiltshire Council, added: “The Salisbury River Park scheme is at the heart of the Salisbury Central Area Framework, guiding the future development of the city centre and equipping it to tackle key challenges like climate change and flood risk. The scheme provides an important connection between the city centre and surrounding countryside through the river corridor.

“We are delighted to see the first phase nearing completion, already transforming the area. Plans for additional phases are in place and will progress as funding becomes available. Once complete, the Salisbury River Park will leave a lasting legacy – a vibrant, riverside green space and urban wildlife habitat for both residents and visitors to enjoy well into the future.”

Philip Ramsay, Operations Director from the Environment business unit of Kier, said: “The whole Kier team is proud to have been instrumental in delivering the Salisbury River Park Project, which will reduce the risk of flooding to the community and is at the forefront of the regeneration of the city centre.”