Reduced flood risk as Salisbury car park's River Avon channel reopens

The River Avon channel in Salisbury’s central car park has reopened in a major milestone for the Salisbury River Park project.

The project should reduce flood risk to over 350 homes and businesses in the city, as well as provide other ecological and public benefits.

The £35 million collaboration between the Environment Agency, Wiltshire Council and Salisbury City Council involves on-site ecologists surveying and monitoring the area.

The channel had been closed for over a year, with around 1,000 fish moved to the adjacent watercourse.

The council says the Salisbury River Park project will significantly improve biodiversity and public realm in the area. (Image: Wiltshire Council)

The channel has been widened to reduce the risk of flooding and a new control weir has replaced the sluice gate between Millstream and the main River Avon.

There are also a series of rock weirs for the drop in water level, whilst still allowing the passage of fish.

Mayor of Salisbury, Councillor Atiqul Hoque, said, “This is a great step forward in the River Park Project, very excited and can't wait to see the end result.

“Salisbury is lucky to be home to a range of wildlife and habitats and it is important that we can protect and nurture them.”

Councillor Richard Clewer, leader of Wiltshire Council, said: “We hope that once complete, the Salisbury River Park project will not only provide great environmental and biodiversity improvements, but also encourage more people to visit and spend time in the city centre.”