A MASTERPLAN for the Maltings development is emerging and will set out a vision for the wider project.

Salisbury Area Board was given a first glimpse of the masterplan during a presentation by Richard Walters, Wiltshire Council’s project manager for the Maltings development, last Thursday.

The plan is due to come out for consultation on April 15 but Mr Walters said it was still a “work in progress” and could “evolve between now and then”.

He said plans previously produced by development partners had become “outdated” and the council’s masterplan would provide a “wider framework” to address the major issues over delivery of future phases.

Key to this was the management of flood risk and delivery of “high quality public realm alongside commercial deliverable development”.

Design principles underpinning the masterplan, he said, were some “long-standing aspirations” suggested over the years.

“We have come forward with something that is, we think, more flexible and responds to those issues,” said Mr Walters.

The meeting heard the plan had been broken down into “character areas” and “zones” that have been shaping the masterplan.

Including the cultural/ creative quarter, which Mr Walters, said was about creating a “centre” for cultural and creative activities for them to “thrive and develop”.

He added: “It could potentially deliver a really new, fantastic, flagship library of the type they have got in Chester alongside upgrading the cultural offer.”

The presentation showed the Playhouse and City Hall could be linked to form a new foyer, bar cafe and reception areas and there could be a pedestrianised area of public realm as well as a “branded entry point” to the Cultural Quarter.

Separate work is being carried out to look at the development of the cultural quarter.

The masterplan also looks to improve pedestrianised areas including a “major pedestrian boulevard”.

Mr Walters said: “By reworking the Market Walk area we can create a desire line right through from Cheese Market and Market Square right through to the Cultural Quarter - having much more clear and defined pedestrian thoroughfare through that area.”

He said it needed to be opened up, adding: “We are looking at boulevard planting and street furniture to delineate the route and provide a better experience, a new retail commercial arcade off the Market Walk with development above.

“Either a hotel or residential flats. Potential dedicated space for a “significant” public art to help support and symbolise the resilience of the city. Then we are looking at potentially kiosks.”

The masterplan also looks to improve the “visitor welcoming experience” with improvements along the riverside, enhancements to the public space near the coach park with a welcome point.

The commercial core of the development would would have “flexible” usage to respond to changing market demands.

The meeting heard the plans also recognised the “importance of bringing people back to live in the city” with residential apartments on upper floors of units.

The council’s masterplan is due to come out for consultation at the same time as revised plans for the hotel and library block at the former British Heart Foundation building.