Construction for the project began in summer 2022, and despite some unavoidable delays, caused by challenges like the exceptionally wet winter – the wettest in the Avon catchment since records began in 1871 – the project continued with areas re-opening in the summer of 2024.
Work has included creating a 50m wide green park through the Central Car Park, creating a new channel and wetland area through Fisherton, and creating over 650m of new and improved cycle routes.
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The new cycle path (Image: Ian Selmes) The new cycle path has however been met with some disappointment.
Salisbury resident, Ian Selmes, said: “I usually cycle into the centre of Salisbury along the existing cycle path but decided to try the new cycle path. I thought the new cycle path was great until I got to the end opposite the public conveniences.
“At this point, I could not turn left as the road was one way coming in from Castle Road into the central car park. I could not go straight over this road as new electrical vehicle charging bays have been created on the opposite side of the road.
“My only option was to turn right into the traffic entering and leaving Sainsbury’s car park – an accident waiting to happen.
“Sadly, the end of what looks like an excellent new cycle path in and out of the town has not been well thought out so I will revert to the old cycle path on the opposite side of the river.”
The Environment Agency has worked with Wiltshire and Salisbury councils and partners to create the river park through the city centre to protect and enhance this important landscape, whilst looking to reduce the risk of flooding.
Cllr Tamara Reay, Cabinet Member for Transport, said, “The intention is for the cycle path route to be turning left onto Avon Approach Road towards Castle Street, as it did prior to the Salisbury River Park works starting.
“At present, this is against the route of car traffic, which is going one way towards the car park. However, shortly this access to the car park will be returned to an HGV access only, with no cars able to pass over the bridge, as it was prior to the scheme being started.
“We are currently working with the Environment Agency on the cycle paths in the River Park and surrounding areas and improvements will be made to the signage and white lining in the area to make it clear where cyclists are able to travel.
“We’re really excited that the Salisbury River Park is now coming towards completion, and we thank local residents and businesses for bearing with us whilst this significant improvement scheme is being completed.”