Posted on Tuesday 7th December 2021
David Williams
Plans to build a pedestrian and cycle bridge over the River Trent in Burton which would boost leisure, transport and tourism opportunities in the town look set to move forward next week.
The bridge would link Stapenhill Hollows to the Oxhay Meadow and from there residents would be able to link to the town centre via the existing Andressey Bridge or to the leisure centre via the existing Oxhay Bridge. It would provide traffic free access into town to people living in Brizlincote, Winshill and Stapenhill.
Funded through the Government’s £23.8million Burton Towns Fund programme, the bridge would also extend the leisure uses of the Washlands area, including proposed new visitor centre, by creating a circular walking or cycling route without traffic – benefiting local residents and encouraging visitors to the town to enjoy the riverside areas.
The new bridge would be allocated up to £6.8 million from the Towns Fund programme. This investment would be a long-term benefit to Burton and the surrounding areas. It would complement the recently restored historic Ferry Bridge, connecting more communities with walking and cycling options.
Building a bridge which would be accessible throughout the year and above the flood plain will cost an additional £4million. The county council will aim to secure funding from other sources – including the Government’s Levelling Up fund.
Staffordshire County Council would be responsible for design and construction of the bridge and for future maintenance. It may also be possible to take on a corporate sponsor to support maintenance costs. At its meeting next week, the county council’s cabinet will decide on the scheme’s progression.
A month-long public consultation was carried out in October, with the majority of over 200 respondents in favour of the scheme. Most also favoured lighting on the bridge and connecting paths and additional lighting to mark special occasions.
If the project goes ahead, a careful consideration will be taken to natural habitats, which would be improved wherever possible. There is also the option to increase the size of The Hollows car park.
Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet member for highways and transport David Williams said:
The new bridge over the River Trent would support the future regeneration of Burton and improve connectivity into the town for walkers and cyclists on the east of the river. It would also attract visitors and boost tourism on the riverside area and businesses located there.
During the pandemic more people have discovered enjoyment through walking and cycling and we want to sustain that legacy in Staffordshire wherever we can. The new bridge would provide a pleasant traffic-free route for people, providing benefits for communities in the long-term.”
We recently completed a public consultation on the project with most respondents supporting the scheme. Their feedback on elements such as lighting will help us to shape the design. The funding allocation unfortunately falls short of the bridge we would need to build – one which is accessible all year and that will not be affected by high water levels. We will work with the Towns Fund Board to bid for the additional funding needed."