Alder King - General Development - Salisbury, Maltings

Date: 14 Mar 2008

The possibility of developing a revitalised 'cultural centre' in Salisbury is to be investigated as part of a study into the potential redevelopment of the city's Maltings and Central Car Park area.

The area is highlighted within the Salisbury Vision as a potential major retail development incorporating shops, restaurants, cafes, housing, offices and parking as well as new public and green spaces and enhanced riverside. There is also the potential to develop the idea of a cultural centre around the Salisbury Playhouse, a refurbished or replaced City Hall and, if Wiltshire County Council agrees, an expanded library.

The Maltings was developed in its present form in the 1980s and has not been an outstanding commercial success, with Priory Square performing particularly badly. The Sainsbury's store is located at first floor level making access more difficult than to nearby rivals and the store is also small by modern standards.

Property and planning consultancy, Alder King, has been appointed to carry out the study. They will look at what could be achieved on the site taking into account long term objectives, aspirations of existing occupiers, constraints and market demand.

Their report is scheduled for the end of May when the findings will be examined and a decision made on next steps. This could involve seeking a development partner to work with Salisbury District Council on taking the project forward.

Cllr Peter Edge, Portfolio Holder for Economic Development and Chairman of the Vision Steering Group said: 'This is a really exciting project for the city. We know that if Salisbury wants to continue to be a thriving centre for residents, businesses and visitors we need to provide space for modern retail needs.
"Competition is increasing and if we fail to provide the shops and facilities that people need then they will increasingly travel out of the area to do their shopping and do so in even greater numbers. "There has already been a significant amount of interest in this project and we know there are retailers out there keen to come to our city. This is a particularly important project and any redevelopment will hopefully generate income which can be used to implement other projects such as improving the city's streets, pavements and public spaces.
"This project will help Salisbury more towards being a cleaner, safer and friendlier city; a place that is consistently acknowledged as being one of England's best places to live."

Charles Russell-Smith, Partner at Alder King said: "We are delighted to work on the redevelopment of the Maltings and Central Car Park area, because this is a project that will make a real difference to Salisbury and its future.
"Our job will be to liaise closely with Salisbury District Council, Wiltshire County Council and other partners to find out what is achievable on the site.
"We know that one of the greatest concerns regarding this project for people in Salisbury is parking and traffic flow and this will be thoroughly investigated. A key objective for this redevelopment is to ensure that appropriate levels of parking are retained on site."

Cllr Steve Fear, Deputy Leader of the council, said: "The complexities of a project like the Salisbury Vision mean that we need to approach each element extremely carefully. The Maltings and Central Car Park is a key component of the overall scheme. We need clear, objective and professional guidance on the redevelopment of this area to ensure that we get the most sustainable economic and environmental outcome for Salisbury, and for the whole of south Wiltshire."

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