Plans for an 87 metre-long pedestrian and cycle bridge costing £12million have been recommended for approval. If built, the new bridge will cross the Trent Basin area of Nottingham to the south bank of the river Trent.
It would become the first new link built across the city’s river in 65 years, according to nottstv.com. The bridge will be four metres wide, up from a previously proposed 3.5 metres.
Nottingham City Council submitted its proposals in February, wit consultancy firm Pick Everard to deliver the scheme alongside infrastructure giant, Balfour Beatty.
The plans have been recommended for approval by council officers and are due to be chewed over at a Nottingham City Council Planning Committee meeting on April 17.
Documents submitted as part of the application say the proposed development will “significantly” improve north-south access over the river.
One such document says: “It would be of particular benefit to existing and future residents of the Trent Basin and Waterside developments in general, providing pedestrian and cycle access to the south side of the river and its large areas of open space and recreation.
“It would also allow for safer pedestrian and cycle access into the city from the south as an alternative to the vehicle-dominated Trent and Lady Bay bridge crossings.”
The scheme’s backers say the bridge should be seen as an “important” development in the sequence of crossings over the river.
They say it will increase opportunities for the public to enjoy the riverside area as well as providing an incentive to boost development of the waterside.
Money for the bridge is expected to come from the Department for Transport’s Transforming Cities funding pot.
A survey online saw 1,198 responses, with 83 percent backing the scheme, 65 percent supporting its proposed location and 75 percent welcoming the design.
Nottingham Civic Society said it “wholeheartedly supports” the plans along with groups including Pedals and Nottingham Friends of the Earth.
Land to the north of the river is part of developer Blueprint’s Trent Basin site, where about 350 homes and flats are being built.
