THE first phase of improvement work to Salisbury railway station's forecourt has been completed, Wiltshire Council has confirmed.

A £5.8 million scheme to revamp the forecourt began in July with the aim of providing a more welcoming first impression to visitors and improving accessibility.

Key aspects of phase one included the installation of drainage and permeable parking bays across the south-eastern corner of the site and retaining wall works in connection with the new ramped pedestrian and cycle access route from Churchfields Road.

An advertising hoarding and other “clutter” have been removed from the forecourt area.

The second phase will focus on two areas for improvement: the footway to the west of the main building entrance and the eastern end of the main car park area.

Works will include kerbline amendments to widen existing footways at the station building entrance and towards new bus stops.

The second phase will also see the first new bus shelter installed and a new Zebra crossing completed on Churchfields Road, improving pedestrian access.

The project will be completed next summer  (Image: Wiltshire Council) Councillor Tamara Reay, Wiltshire Council’s cabinet member for transport and assets, said: “This project is helping us realise our business plan priority of creating vibrant, well-connected communities.

“Remodelling the Salisbury station forecourt to offer a more attractive, accessible and welcoming space for both visitors and residents is a significant part of this goal.

“We are pleased with the progress so far and look forward to project completion in summer 2025.

“We appreciate the patience of commuters, local businesses, and residents throughout these works and apologise for any inconvenience caused.

“Our team will work diligently to minimise disruption as much as possible.”

Read more: Work begins to revamp Salisbury railway station forecourt

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Andrew Ardley, South Western Railway's regional development manager, said: “We’re very pleased with the progress being made at the station forecourt, especially the completion of what we expect to be the most complex phase of the project, and very grateful for our customers’ continued patience.

“Customers should be aware that, as the project enters a new phase, there will be changes to pick up and drop off arrangements in order to reduce congestion and delays.

“We’d like to ask customers to take note of local signage and road markings in the forecourt, and to check the SWR website for information on further changes to facilities such as the taxi rank.”

The project is part of the £9 million Future High Streets Fund investment aimed at revitalizing Salisbury’s public spaces and infrastructure.