SALISBURY Railway Station is today (June 10) embarking on an extensive forecourt makeover which is estimated to take approximately one year. 

The work will provide a more welcoming first impression to the historic cathedral city and be more accessible for visitors and residents.  

The £5.8 million enhancements include extensive landscaping featuring the planting of trees and shrubs, installation of modern street furniture, and implementation of intuitive wayfinding systems along with more sustainable travel facilities such as a bus interchange.  

A blend of wall-mounted and pole-mounted lighting designed to ensure safe levels of lighting and security for all forecourt users is also planned. 

Cllr Tamara Reay, Wiltshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “I am delighted the improvement works are now starting. 

“Not only does this scheme align with our Business Plan’s priorities of creating well-connected areas, it also underscores our commitment to nurturing thriving and vibrant city centres. 

“We anticipate the Station Forecourt scheme will deliver over £10 million of economic benefits to the area and continues the significant investment in Salisbury city centre recently which includes the transformational Salisbury River Park scheme and the Fisherton Gateway improvement scheme. 

“The enhancement work at Station Forecourt is estimated to take approximately one year to complete, with continuous access throughout the duration of the works. We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and advise rail customers to proactively plan their journeys in advance to minimise disruptions.”

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Andrew Ardley, regional development manager (West), South Western Railway (SWR), said: “SWR is very grateful for the substantial financial and time commitment that Wiltshire Council has made in investing in our station forecourt. 

“SWR has already invested over £750,000 in the scheme through our Customer and Communities Investment Fund, with the construction of the new cycle hub marking the first phase of the works.  

“The scheme will make a real difference to our customers and will make the station a high-quality gateway which the city can be proud of. The changes will also enable us to have new direct local buses connecting with rail services which we know is really important to our customers.  

“The scheme complements other recent improvements at the station including the refurbished waiting rooms, station re-painting and improvements to the subway which we hope to complete in the near future. 

“We have worked closely with Wiltshire Council to ensure that temporary replacement parking spaces are available nearby at Central Car Park and will be opening the new station car park next to the Royal Mail depot later in the year.”  

Lewis Cowley, regional director for Milestone Infrastructure, said: “The commencement of the construction phase follows several months of engagement with South Western Railway and Network Rail to agree the delivery methodology and ensure access for essential services to the station are retained. 

“As Milestone, we are delighted to continue our work with Wiltshire Council in Salisbury in the delivery of public realm improvements.”  

For more information about planning a journey visit www.southwesternrailway.com/salisbury-forecourt.  

To find out more information on the scheme please visit www.wiltshire.gov.uk/fhsf-salisbury. 

Visualisation of how the area will look once the works are completed Picture: Wiltshire Council