15 May 2008

Search for inspirational bridge design begins

THE River Douglas at Hesketh Bank is to become the focus of attention for some of the country’s best architects as Lancashire County Council launches a search for an inspirational bridge design.

The REMADE in Lancashire land reclamation programme has commissioned the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) to run an architectural design competition for a new landmark bridge to span the River Douglas at Hesketh Bank, Becconsall in West Lancashire. 

Architects are being invited to submit designs for a bridge for use by walkers, cyclists and horse riders which will be located at the site of the former Preston to Southport railway bridge.

The design competition, funded by the Northwest Regional Development Agency, will result in six designs being short listed by the judging panel in July 2008 with a final winner being chosen in October 2008. The public and key stakeholders will be invited to express their views on the short listed entries during the summer.

County Councillor Matthew Tomlinson, Cabinet member for Environment and Transportation, said: “We are looking for something really special that will make a big statement about the area.

“This design competition forms the first stage of a REMADE proposal to create a new linear greenway linking the villages and communities of West Lancashire and South Ribble districts.

“However the designs look, the simple aim of the river crossing will be to provide a safe off-road sustainable travel and leisure route for use by local residents, schoolchildren and people commuting between Southport and Preston.

“I hope to see some inspirational designs that will help us when it comes to seeking the necessary funding to turn the ideas into reality.”

The Ribble Coast is a popular location for enjoying the landscape and the important wildlife of the estuary. The proposed greenway will provide a key access route to attractions within the emerging Ribble Coast and Wetlands Regional Park including Martin Mere Wetland Centre and the RSPB Hesketh Outmarsh reserve which is currently under development. 

Peter White, Executive Director of Development at the NWDA, said: “Building a bridge at this location would be an important first step in opening up the area for walkers, cyclists and riders. This scheme will explore the potential to create a fantastic new facility for local people and visitors to enjoy. It will be a clear signal of our intent to see the coordination of NWDA funded land regeneration programmes in implementing regional park aspirations.” 

Bob Allen, Executive Director of Groundwork Lancashire West and Wigan and member of the Ribble Coast and Wetlands Regional Park Steering Group, said: “The Douglas Bridge crossing is seen as a flagship project for the Ribble Coast and Wetlands Regional Park that will make a substantial contribution to our access strategy. The design competition is an exciting opportunity to develop a high quality structure in keeping with the natural environment.”