WORK is underway on a £9 million scheme to improve Salisbury city centre – with drivers being warned of a new one-way system set to be in place for around a year.

The cash, from the Government’s Future High Streets Fund, was secured in 2021 by Wiltshire Council for a range of works to improve the area.

They include widening pavements, introducing new street lighting, enhancing landscaping, improving street furniture and wayfinding, and introducing continuous footpaths at junctions to emphasise and improve pedestrian priority.

Now, work has started at Fisherton Gateway, with contractor, Milestone Infrastructure, setting up their site compound.

From Sunday (August 6), traffic barriers will be installed creating a one-way system from the junction of South Western Road and Fisherton Street, down Fisherton Street to the junction of Fisherton Street and High Street.

The one-way system enables work to continue safely and will be in place for around 12 months – until the project is finished.

It will be carried out in phases, with the first phase covering the area between Malthouse Lane and Summerlock Approach. Starting on Monday (August 7), it will be completed around November.

Towards the end of August, a second phase of work will start between Summerlock Approach and South Western Road. It is anticipated this phase will be completed around December.

READ MORE: Roadworks projects to begin soon as part of Salisbury city centre plan

Cllr Caroline Thomas, the council’s cabinet member for transport, said: “One of our key priorities is to have vibrant, well-connected communities, and this scheme will deliver improvements for residents, businesses and visitors as well provide long-term economic benefits for Salisbury. Road improvements of this scale do cause some disruption and we apologise for any inconvenience in advance.

“Our contractor will remain in close contact with businesses in the area that are most affected by the phases of works to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum.

“I would like to reassure everyone that Fisherton Street is very much open for business, and I would encourage residents and visitors to make full use of the retail and coffee shops available.

“Drivers should plan ahead and allow extra time for journeys as people get used to the one-way system and diversion route. This may also be an opportunity to consider alternative modes of transport, including our Park and Ride.

“For those using buses, Salisbury Reds have published details of the Fisherton Street bus stops which will be temporarily moved from Sunday, August 6, on www.salisburyreds.co.uk.”

Entry and exit routes to Culver Street and the Old George Mall Car Parks are unaffected by the works in Fisherton Street.

Lewis Cowley, Milestone Infrastructure’s regional director, added: “We are delighted to be mobilising to carry out the works on Fisherton Street.

“This comes at the end of months of discussion with Wiltshire Council to ensure that we deliver a safe and cost-effective construction phase to this project, while minimising disruption to Salisbury and in particular the businesses on Fisherton Street.”