Andy Munns
Here is a look back at some of the work carried out during the first phase of the transformational Salisbury River Park scheme as it began to take shape this year.
The year kicked off with works on several structures out of the channels, whilst also trying to manage very high river flows which inundated parts of the site.
These structures included the flood wall alongside the Summerlock Stream at Ashley Road, where several large holes were drilled to install the piles that the flood wall would sit on. Once these piles were installed then the flood wall was built up and the ground was reinstated around it.
A few water voles were then safely trapped so they would not be harmed during any ongoing construction works. The voles were safely relocated to the same site downstream of Salisbury where the voles from the River Avon were taken last year.
In the summer months, once river levels had finally receded closer to normal levels, the huge task of widening and reprofiling the main River Avon channel in the Central Car Park was resumed. The new river channel and wetland area at Fisherton Rec was also excavated, with excavated material used to create the flood embankments around the edge of Fisherton Rec and Ashley Road Open Space.
In July, local judges had the thoroughly enjoyable task of reviewing all the fantastic responses to the design competition completed by Sarum St Paul’s school pupils. The aim was to design a logo, draw a picture or write a poem inspired by local wildlife. Two winners were selected from each class that entered, but the standard of the Year 6 entries was so good that three winners were chosen! These designs have been integrated into the design of the new playground.
The deck for the new Mill Stream Approach road bridge was lifted into place in July, and work has continued to have this ready for traffic again early next year.
Working with local artist Zac Newham, various fun-filled sessions were held with Sarum St Pauls Primary School to create an artwork called the ‘River of Life’ based on local ecology, which was completed in August. This involved the pupils finding out about animals that can be found in the local rivers and then painting one to include in the final artwork.
At the end of August, a further 76 captive-bred voles were released further downstream on the River Avon where the previous water voles captured prior to any construction works taking place were safely relocated. This means 150 voles have been introduced to the particular site, ensuring the viability of this colony in the future.
Also, during September and October, a series of rock weirs were constructed to control the water flow in the channel and enable fish to move up and downstream safely. This channel was closed off for most of the last year to allow this to happen, and the channel was reopened in October.
Zac Newham also recently completed the Willow Bulb living sculpture on Fisherton Rec. This will become a more secluded part of the site once the willow can flourish. Zac will be working with local groups over the coming years to weave more willow into the structure, part of which will be coming from the Willow trees by Ashley Road. In addition, Zac made three sets of table and benches for Fisherton Rec. Fabricated from locally felled trees, they are themed around three of the main fish species in the River Avon, Salmon, Eel and Grayling.
New footbridges have been installed at Fisherton Rec and north of the coach park. The last pedestrian footbridge linking the coach park to Central Car Park (partly funded by the £458,000 award from the Active Travel Fund Tranche 4) is due for completion in January. These will all be open to pedestrians and cyclists next year, forming part of the improved riverside path.
In December, local artist Fred Fieber had been visiting the site to paint a mural on the coach park toilet block based on local flora and fauna. Further public art will be unveiled next year. During the last two months, the achievements of the Ripple Effect project, led by Wessex Archaeology and involving a group of local adults, were celebrated with an exhibition in the Young Gallery in Salisbury.
Cllr Caroline Thomas, Wiltshire Council Cabinet Member for Transport, Street Scene and Flooding, said: “These highlights just demonstrate the range and breadth of work being undertaken at this site. It’s quite unbelievable how much work has actually been completed to date from large infrastructure works to various types and styles of public art.
“So, what can we expect next year? Well, we will see the improvement works to the coach park start as well as creating the new pocket park in the central car park. The new multi-use games area in Fisherton Rec will start to be built along with the play area by Ashley Road. Landscaping works will also start continuing into Spring 2024. This all leads up to a grand opening event in the summer!
Ron Curtis, Environment Agency Area Flood Risk Manager, said, “It has been great to see the progress of this vital project over the last year, and especially to see how involved the community have been able to get in the works. This project is demonstrating how, working with our partners, we can provide many additional benefits for people and wildlife in Salisbury. I look forward to seeing the project complete in 2024 and allowing people to enjoy the new River Park.”
Salisbury River Park aims to 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. It supports several key objectives in Wiltshire Council’s Business Plan including having active and well-connected communities and a sustainable environment.
