THESE new images could be how the former British Heart Foundation site will look, if plans are backed next month.

Revealed today, they give views of both Fisherton Street and Malthouse Lane as part of the first phase of the redevelopment of the Maltings.

The artistic impressions, created by developer Haskoll, show the library’s panoramic windows, the entrance to the 86-room hotel, as well as the new café space and public plaza.

The pictures have been submitted just a few months after previous designs were labelled as “appalling” by county planning chiefs.

Salisbury Journal:

A spokesperson for Haskoll said: “We have carefully listened to the comments received and believe our latest design reflects Salisbury’s historic fabric whilst delivering a contemporary design.

“The opening up of the views onto the United Reform Church with the associated public realm works on Fisherton Street will animate this area of the city whilst the orientation of the library and hotel onto Priory Square will strengthen the council’s aspirations for the Cultural Quarter.

“We trust with the level of consultation undertaken these proposals will gain the overall support of both the community and Wiltshire Council

As reported, the scheme was backed by Salisbury City Council’s planning committee on August 12.

However, despite giving their support, some local members are still unsure on the scheme.

Bemerton councillor Tom Corbin said: “This design will still be more imposing on the street scene than the existing building which at least attempts to mold into the local street scene and allow the United Reform Church to have some presence.

“It is, however, significantly less imposing than the previous design that was big, bland and boring.”

Fellow Labour member Ian Tomes somewhat agreed, adding that he wished the building’s styles were more “sympathetic” to the neighbouring church.

He said: “I think it would look better to use similar stonework [to the church]. It would be more sympathetic to that view next to the church.

“I also still think that although they have reduced the size of the scheme [as part of the new plans], they’re still squeezing too much onto that site.

“However, as I said in the meeting, it is an improvement on the previous plans, I accept that.”

Yet, some were more open to the new designs than others.

City MP John Glen said: “While I recognise that there are still a range of opinions on the overall aesthetics of the scheme, I am grateful for the willingness of the architects to engage so thoroughly and to address, point by point, so many of the objections that were raised.”

South Wiltshire recovery chief at Wiltshire Council Pauline Church has urged locals to have their say before the consultation ends on September 5.

“I would encourage local people to give their views on the redesigned scheme which includes the removal of a storey to reduce the impact on the United Reformed Church,” she said.

“The strategic planning committee will now consider the new designs and whether this important first phase of the Maltings and Central Car Park regeneration can proceed.”

Visit Wiltshire Council’s planning portal website, and enter the reference 19/07427/FUL.