May has seen 4 huge sections of the new bridge for cyclists and pedestrians delivered to site in Bath. The elegantly curved steels will connect the regeneration sites of Bath Quays North to Bath Quays South across the River Avon. The bridge will be an integral and healthy connection between these two emerging riverside development sites in Bath.   It will also create an improved connection for walking and cycling between the city centre and neighbourhoods to the south and west.

Design quality

Paris based engineering and architectural consultancy Marc Mimram won the international competition with their design called ‘Between History and Modernity’. It has a slender and curvaceous structure. The bridge has been built in 4 main sections in Belgium and transported to Bath by road and ferry.

Councillor Tim Ball, cabinet member for Housing, Planning and Economic Development, said: “The arrival of this remarkable bridge is another step forward in the regeneration of Bath Quays as a vibrant commercial quarter within our city to stimulate economic growth.

“During the current Covid-19 crisis we have continued to make progress at the site under strict social distancing rules to help our future prosperity and contribute positively to Bath’s recovery when we all emerge from the current measures.

“This will be needed to help the local economy mitigate the impact of coronavirus as well as encourage more walking and cycling.”

The Bath Quays bridge will be the latest in a collection of cycle and pedestrian friendly projects designed to improve cycling and walking in Bath. We have been involved in several of these projects variously as Ecologist, Landscape Architect and providing Visualisations. Our work support our clients and the Council in their aim to address the Climate Emergency, promote green travel initiatives and reduce air pollution.

Clouds with ‘green lining’

Individual cycling and walking projects are gradually joining up the dots for high quality walking and cycling in the city-wide World Heritage Site.  These initiatives, together with plans for Liveable Neighbourhoods, and new funds announced by the Government on the 9th of May are an attempt to seize the moment and work towards a ‘green lining’ to the pandemic cloud.

We hope to see more cycle and pedestrian friendly projects emerging across the region and country as a result.

To discuss how we can support your project,  contact Jamie Farnell or Simon Kale.