Report on our Annual Open Meeting: The Maltings Redevelopment: First Public Presentation and Consultation
Tuesday November 21st 2017.
A capacity audience of some 140 people heard speakers from the developers and Wiltshire County Council present their emerging studies and ideas for the redevelopment of the Maltings and Central Car Park in Salisbury.
The developers TH Real Estate along with the development managers Rivington Land and the architects Haskoll, outlined the principles of development for the site. Richard Walters and Richard Clewer from Wiltshire Council also spoke putting the development into a wider planning context.
The developers presented their analysis of the site looking at the architectural context and character of the city centre, the emerging design and component uses, and aspirations for the public realm and river walk. They emphasised the benefits of improving the sense of arrival, opening up the river walk, cultural activities, and expanding commercial activity and city centre vitality. They intend to continue the exploration of the design and welcomed feedback from the audience.
Salisbury Civic Society was very encouraged by the quality of the presentations and audience questions, clear recognition of the challenges and opportunities, and the constructive debate that followed.
For most people this was the first opportunity to learn about the proposed shape of this long-running project. Yesterday’s presentations marked the start of pre-planning consultation with an application to be submitted next year, on completion of further consultation (including with the wider community) that will incorporate feedback from that consultation into the scheme design.
The Maltings redevelopment will be one of the most important in Salisbury and South Wiltshire for some time and the Annual Public Open Meeting was an ideal venue for commencing public engagement with the challenges and opportunities it presents.