A road in Westbury will be closed for several months marking the start of the transformation of a town centre landmark.
Edward Street, just off High Street, is to be closed on September 1 for more than three months as the town council carries out works on the rotunda.
The works were expected to begin in late-April or early-May, but were delayed as the council and Wiltshire Council deliberated over the road closure necessary to allow works to be carried out.
Now, Wiltshire Council has confirmed the road will close to all traffic until December 12, with transformative works on the rotunda due to get underway.
The road closure is detailed in a notice filed on the Causeway one.network interactive map – which the council uses to track road closures and expected works.
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The document reads: “Notice is hereby given that Wiltshire Council has made an Order to close temporarily to all traffic:
“Edward Street (Part), Westbury; from its junction with High Street to outside the Library.
“To enable: Westbury Town Council to carry out Redevelopment of the rotunda and associated works.
“Alternative route: via Edward Street (unaffected length), A350, B3098, and vice versa.
“The closure and diversion route will be clearly indicated by traffic signs.
“This Order will come into operation on 1st September 2025 and the closure will be required 24 hours a day until 12th December 2025. It is anticipated that the works will take the stated duration to complete depending upon weather conditions.
“Access will be maintained for residents and businesses where possible, although delays are likely due to the nature of the works. The Order will have a maximum duration of 18 months.”
In March, this paper reported on the details of the rotunda works, which would see the aging feature overhauled for a more modern design.
Westbury Town Council explained that the works will maintain the existing site's footprint, but will involve the demolition of most of the existing brick walls above ground while preserving footings for new stonework to take their place.
The levels will be lowered to allow for easier access into the space, and better views, with a “robust palette” of materials set to replace deteriorated brickwork.
A granite oval will provide seating for visitors. The plant bed will be removed to create a paved section to improve pedestrian access, while the remaining space will be transformed into a rain garden with new plants around the existing tree.
Speaking with the Wiltshire Times in March, Cllr Ben Griffiths said: “The project is fully funded by grants and the CIL funding for community infrastructure projects and will not impact on the precept or local council tax. It is expected to be completed by late July 2025.
“The existing structure is seen as a barrier at the end of the high street. The redevelopment will open the views to Soisy Gardens and extend the visual flow towards Maristow street and the Market Place.”
The works will also provide a new public space for the many events held in the town centre such as Chilli Fest, the Sunday Brunch Markets and Remembrance Day.
According to the town council, the work is the first public realm improvement in a wider strategy designed to regenerate Westbury town centre, as part of its ‘Vision for Westbury’.
The long-awaited works are set to arrive two years after an initial consultation was held in September and October 2023.
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