New foot and bike bridge unveiled for Rhyl Harbour
The proposed multi-million pound bridge for walkers and cyclists in Rhyl Harbour is a step closer to becoming a reality as sustainable transport charity Sustrans, Denbighshire County Council and the Welsh Assembly Government unveiled the iconic design for the bridge and appointed a firm for its construction today [05/06/09].
Five companies were invited to pitch to design and build the bridge which will span 80m over the River Clwyd at Rhyl's Foryd Harbour. The winning concept beat stiff international competition with its unique nautical design which will lift the two lightweight walkways in two halves around a central mast to allow boats to pass.
The proposed design is announced today as the contract has been awarded to the North Wales arm of the Swansea based contractor Dawnus, in association with the Chester office of design engineers, Gifford.
This landmark foot and bike bridge will create a new crossing over the Foryd Harbour and link into a network of new and existing walking and cycling routes in the heart of Rhyl's regeneration area, opening up the area for everyday journeys by walkers, cyclists, people pushing buggies and using wheelchairs.
This bridge is the focal piece of the Sustrans' Connect2 route in Rhyl and at the heart of Rhyl's regeneration strategy. It has been made possible with funding from the Welsh Assembly Government, ERDF and Sustrans' Connect2 since Sustrans won the TV vote to bring £50 million from the Big Lottery Fund to walking and cycling to 79 communities across the country in December 2007.
Glyn Evans, Area Manager at Sustrans, said:
"It's really exciting to see such a wonderfully designed bridge coming to Rhyl, and one that will give people the ability to get around on foot or on bike for everyday journeys. It's a great centrepiece for the entire Sustrans' Connect2 project and Rhyl's regeneration and once in place it will open up the entire harbourside for everyone who lives and holidays in Rhyl."
Leighton Andrews, Deputy Minister for Regeneration, said it was great news to see such an important project getting underway.:
"The new bridge will not only provide an important link between Rhyl and Kinmel Bay but will provide Rhyl with a distinctive, eye catching iconic landmark and set a new high standard of design that will mark the start of a new era for the town and help instil a sense of pride amongst local people."
Denbighshire Councillor David Thomas, Cabinet Lead Member for Regeneration, said:
"We are delighted that a design has been chosen for this iconic connection, which will be a major part of the transformation of the Foryd Harbour and a key project in the wider regeneration of Rhyl. Plans for the pedestrian/cycle bridge link are progressing quickly, and in the coming months, there will be extensive consultation with local residents, businesses and community groups where people can see the plans. We are looking forward to working with our partners on delivering this ambitious project."
Public consultations will be held this July in Rhyl and Kinmel Bay where a model of the bridge will be on display along with other plans for West Rhyl including the High St and Harbour developments.
Subject to council ratification and detailed approvals, work on site is scheduled for early 2011 and should be completed within six months as much of the fabrication will take place off site so large sections can be lifted into position and reduce any disruption to the working harbour.
The bridge will cost £4 million and is being funded by the Big Lottery Fund through Sustrans' Connect2, ERDF and the Welsh Assembly Government and Denbighshire County Council are responsible for the project management of the bridge.
