Shared vision to shape city's future

From the Salisbury Journal, first published Wednesday 21st Sep 2005.

A LONG-TERM vision to take Salisbury forward into the next 20 years is to be created.

Salisbury district council aims to come up with a shared vision that will encompass all the social and economic development opportunities facing the city in the coming decades and help provide a major blueprint, going far beyond the council's normal plans.

The project is being backed by funding from the regional development agency and support from the city's five economic partners - the Chamber of Commerce, South Wiltshire Economic Partnership, the Salisbury Tourism Partnership, City Centre Management and the Federation of Small Businesses.

The next step is to appoint consultants who will help develop the vision and involve the public in shaping Salisbury's future.

In council leader Kevin Wren's view, setting out how the city will look in 20 years' time is important.

He said: "There are many significant development opportunities and changes facing Salisbury. Rather than look at each one in isolation, we believe it is better to examine them as a whole, so they fit with the vision everyone has for the city.

"This project will not only concentrate on how the city will look and work, but also how social, environmental and economic needs can be enhanced for the good of everyone.

"If we don't act now, we are in danger of losing the spirit of Salisbury, and all that will be left are great historic buildings in a lifeless place. Time is already starting to overtake us and we need to ensure we are meeting the future needs of our wonderful city, while preserving its unique nature."

Long-term economic and planning issues that will soon affect Salisbury include changes in car park demand, the major redevelopment of key city centre sites, future use of the Guildhall and Market Square and a review of the Churchfield's industrial estate.

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