An Environment Agency partnership is starting construction work on the £27 million  Salisbury flood scheme which will see over 350 homes and businesses in the city  better protected from flooding, along with making improvements to the environment.

The Salisbury River Park project is a collaboration between the Environment Agency, Wiltshire Council, Salisbury City Council and Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership.

The transformational scheme will also create 2 hectares of enhanced riverside habitat for the benefit of wildlife, remove obstructions to allow fish migration to continue upstream and create 13 hectares of high quality public open space. The scheme, once completed, will also see 600 trees planted and provide major improvements to the footpaths and cycle paths in Salisbury.

Ron Curtis, Area Flood and Coastal Risk Manager at The Environment Agency said:

“The start of construction is a really important milestone for the Salisbury River Park. This is the first step in providing better flood protection for the city.

“Working with our partners we’re really excited about the added benefits this scheme will bring for people and wildlife in Salisbury.”

Kier is the main contractor for the scheme - it is anticipated that the main construction works will be completed in spring 2024.

The scheme budget has increased by £4million mainly in response to inflation in construction materials as well as allowing for future increases in costs.