OVER recent weeks the Journal has published a number of letters regarding coach parking and related issues, some of which inevitably refer to Central Car Park and the Maltings.

In the interest of keeping Journal readers accurately informed, and as Wiltshire Council’s development partner for this site, I am happy to provide some clarification.

Coach travel is clearly very important to tourism in Salisbury and following public feedback Stanhope intends to include significantly improved bus and coach interchange facilities, with toilets, for dropoff and pick-up, on the western edge of the site (nearest to the railway station).

This interchange will be a valuable long-term asset to the city’s tourist industry, helping create a far better and more welcoming experience for visitors arriving by coach.

This aspect of the proposed redevelopment, as with the rest, will be funded by Stanhope and not local taxpayers.

The first phase of development comprises more than £75m worth of private investment into Salisbury city centre.

As previously confirmed, Stanhope is committed to supporting Salisbury’s tourist economy, and any works on site will aim to mitigate impact on tourist events including next year’s Magna Carta centenary celebrations.

Stanhope remains confident that this once-in-a-generation opportunity will revitalise Salisbury’s retail and leisure offer, reduce trips to competing centres and out-of-town, and benefit the city’s economy as a whole.

Gary Bourne, director, Stanhope