By Plans for Grimsby’s new bridge unveiled
North East Lincolnshire Council have unveiled plans for a new bridge across the River Freshney, as a centrepiece of the transformation at Garth Lane.
An application has been submitted and planning permission is being sought for the installation.
According to the council, the new structure will symbolise “Great Grimsby’s past and a gateway to its future”.
A council spokesperson added:
“Taking account of the views of scores of local people, the bridge seeks to reflect the area’s maritime heritage with a decorative feature representative of a dockside crane, or a structure found on a typical fishing vessel.
“The water is also a large part of the area’s future with the offshore renewables’ success born from the town port’s proximity to the sea-situated turbines.”
Designed for both cyclists and pedestrians, the five-metre-wide structure will be positioned across the river from Riverhead Square into the Garth Lane area and on to Fisherman’s Wharf.
The bridge, which spans 30-metres, is being manufactured and installed by specialist contractor SH Structures.
Discussing the development process, Tim Burton of SH Structures said:
“There was an aspiration to have something that had presence, that reflected in some way the town’s heritage but also its future.
“The ‘masts’ that rise up from the main structure symbolise the town’s great fishing past but also represent the way in which the water remains an integral part of its future.
“We wanted to provide something that strikes a chord locally, but which also allows people to feel safe as they cross – providing a gateway to what is being developed beyond.”
Once in place the bridge will be complemented by a whole new look for the area as part of the overall £3.5m project.
New paving, lighting, landscaping, tiered areas down to the water and seating – with fish-shaped benches upcycled from the felled willow tree – will complement the bridge.
As previously reported, the existing footbridge and immediate area will be closed as of today, Monday September 28, for a period of six months.
This will allow for works to take place, and for the the installation of new tiered structures down to the river and a new slipway.
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