A POPULAR footpath in Salisbury, which lies between the two sites of the Salisbury River Park project, has finally re-opened this week following its closure in August 2022.

The re-opened footpath connects the Ashley Road site with the second site at Central Car Park.

The route is popular with residents and visitors travelling into the city centre from the northwestern areas of Salisbury and will allow pedestrian access along the River Avon and Mill Stream from Waitrose to the city centre.

The footpath connecting Five Rivers Health and Wellbeing Centre to Ashley Road was re-opened earlier in May, although finishing works are still ongoing on the path.

Salisbury River Park is a large transformative project, being delivered by the Environment Agency, that will reduce flood risk to over 350 homes and businesses in Salisbury, providing major ecological, amenity, walking and cycling benefits, as well as significantly improving biodiversity and the public realm in the area.

The project is a collaboration between the Environment Agency, Wiltshire Council and Salisbury City Council.

READ MORE: Major milestone hit in £35m Salisbury River Park Project works

READ MORE: Flooding breaches defences at Salisbury River Park – Ashley Homes hit

Once the River Park project is completed later this summer, over 650m of new and improved cycle routes and 1,600m of new or improved footpaths will have been created to encourage people to walk or cycle.

The new footpaths and cycleways have been designed to meet and exceed (where possible) guidelines on accessibility, width and material requirements.

Picture: Wiltshire Council

Councillor Richard Clewer, leader of Wiltshire Council, says that the re-opening of the footpath marks another step forward for the Salisbury River Park Project.

He said: “It is a key priority for us, to have vibrant, well-connected communities and that we have an efficient and effective transport network offering viable alternatives to the car.

“We are delighted that this key walking and cycling route into Salisbury has now re-opened, which will not only encourage more people to visit and spend time in the city centre and to take in the beautiful new surroundings that the River Park scheme has to offer, but also comes with the added benefits of reducing carbon emissions and improving the air quality in the area.

“We can’t wait to see the final stages of the project take shape and look forward to the project being completed later this year.”

All the main works will be completed on site this summer, with all the remaining paths opened to the public. Further seeding and planting will happen over the remainder of the year, based on when the best time is for the particular type of planting.

Further information on the project can be found at www.salisburyriverparkphase1.com