Inside Salisbury: Update on railway forecourt remodelling + Wilton bus service diversions

Salisbury Reds publish details of bus service diversions

Feb 13, 2025

by Annette J Beveridge

A KEY milestone has been reached as the work on Salisbury Railway Station’s forecourt remodelling scheme enters its third and final phase.

The aim is to transform the forecourt area outside of the entrance to the station improving both the function and aesthetics. Existing footpaths will be widened, there will be new drop-off areas, new bus shelters and areas of new landscaping to create a more welcoming and accessible space.

Wiltshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport and Assets, Councillor Tamara Reay, said: “We are excited to see the forecourt redevelopment take shape, becoming a more attractive, accessible and welcoming space for both visitors and residents.”

The previous phase of work focused on the footpath to the west of the main building entrance, and the eastern end of the main car park area. It included work to the kerb line and amendments to widen existing footpaths at the entrance to the station and to new bus stops which have been installed to improve bus access.

The second phase of work included the installation of the first new bus shelter and the completion of a new Zebra crossing in Churchfields Road

Cllr Reay added: “Funded by the £9 million investment from the Future High Streets Fund, this scheme plays a key role in our commitment to creating vibrant, well-connected communities as outlined in our Business Plan. We look forward to the work completing in Summer 2025.

“We appreciate the patience of rail passengers, local businesses, and residents throughout these works and apologise for any inconvenience caused. Our contractor will continue to minimise disruption as much as possible.”

Regional Development Manager, South Western Railway, Andrew Ardley, said: “We’re very pleased to see the scheme’s continuing progress and, now that the first two phases are complete, we can see what a major improvement this will be for the forecourt when it finishes. It will also complement the recent work on Fisherton Street and South Western Road, which has already made a significant difference for customers who walk to the station.

“We’re working very closely with Wiltshire Council, its contractor and the local bus operators to manage the changes to the forecourt’s layout as work continues around the site. We’re also pleased to report that work is well underway to create an additional, temporary car park off Fisherton Street.

“We will provide further updates as we move towards an opening date.”

For more information about the Salisbury Station Forecourt scheme, visit https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/fhsf-salisbury.

Bus Passengers to be affected by bus route change

Passengers should be aware of changes to the Wilton bus service due to gas works.

Part of The Avenue in Wilton will be closed from Monday, February 17 for three weeks leading to a diversion of some routes.

PR3

The PR3 usually stops at Wilton Park & Ride but due to new gas work, a special shuttle bus will run every half hour. From the Park & Ride, buses will run non-stop via Devizes Road to Fisherton Street with the final stop at Blue Boar Row. The first bus will depart at 07:00, then leave at 00 and 30 minutes past each hour until 18:30.

From Salisbury City Centre, buses will leave from New Canal Stop S and pick up at all stops on Fisherton Street, before running non-stop via Devizes Road to Wilton Park & Ride. The first bus will depart at 07:15, then leave at 15 and 45 minutes past each hour until 18:45.

The Hart Close and Buckeridge Road stops will not be in use. Customers should use the Wilton Roundabout bus stop as an alternative.

2A

Buses will divert using Roman Road and Devizes Road but stops between Skew Road/Foots Hill and Buckeridge Road bus stop will not be in use.

R10 Sunday morning only

The bus will leave Wilton Market slightly earlier at 06:00, then will divert using Wilton Road, Roman Road and Devizes Road to reach St Peter's Place.

Hart Close and Buckeridge Road bus stops will not be in use.

603

The afternoon journey will stop at the Wilton Roundabout bus stop on the A36. The Fugglestone estate will not be in use. The morning journey will be able to serve all stops as usual.