SALISBURY is a special place and having lived here since my school days I’ve found it very difficult to find a place quite so beautiful. The essence of what makes Salisbury the place we all love will always remain but as we move forwards it is vital we focus on the future and the recent commercial planning application to redevelop the site on Fisherton Street is just the start of Salisbury’s journey.

We’re fortunate this application offers a temporary site for our library which allows us to progress to the second phase of the Maltings development. By moving the library and opening up the central arch of the listed façade we can provide better connectivity between the market place, via the Maltings through to Fisherton Street.

At the same time we are developing a masterplan for the city, whilst also looking at the cultural offering in Salisbury. This includes the final location for a modern and technologically advanced library and gallery/exhibition space, together with public realm and green space improvements all aimed at providing an inspiring, creative space we can enjoy and be proud of.

I recognise and regret Wiltshire Council did not sufficiently ‘set the scene’ regarding the choreography of the library moves nor did we articulate our upmost commitment to continue to provide this invaluable service.

Our focus now is on extensive public engagement and ongoing consultation on the masterplan detailing these aspirations. We must take this opportunity to move Salisbury forward together. I for one don’t want to lose an opportunity to make our city an even more amazing place to live, work and visit.

Cllr Pauline Church

Cabinet Member for Economic Development and South Wiltshire Recovery, Wiltshire Council