A LONG-TERM vision and blueprint for Salisbury will be thrashed out next year, following wide consultation.

The district council is stepping back from its day-to-day work and spearheading a project that will encompass all the social and economic development opportunities facing the city in the coming years.

Changes in car-park demand as a result of the new park-and-ride sites will be looked at, along with the redevelopment of key city centre sites, and future use of the Guildhall and Market Square.

The cathedral's proposals for The Close and a review of Churchfields industrial estate will be examined, along with other economic and planning issues.

District council leader Kevin Wren said: "This is a very exciting and very important project we are about to embark on. If a city is to progress, it needs to evolve. We want to make sure that everyone is working together to ensure that, by the time Salisbury celebrates its ninth century in 2028, we have a city that has moved with the times, is thriving and is a great place to live and work in."

Before the vision is complete, the council cabinet will agree on what issues, should, in principal, be included in the document by spring 2005.

A major consultation exercise with local residents, community groups, businesses and partner organisations will then take place, to seek their views and priorities for changes in the city.

By the end of next year it is hoped that an agreement can be reached on priority regeneration projects that will create the Salisbury Vision. Portfolio holder for planning and economic development John Noeken said: "Everyone who lives, works, shops and visits Salisbury has an interest in the way it develops in the future.

"There are some real opportunities to consider over the next 20 years but there are also some real threats. If radical change is to be considered, then the collective support and agreement of the communities are essential to move forward. This will not be the council's vision, it will be everybody's vision."