A WINNING design has been selected for a new bridge to cross the River Douglas through a local beauty spot.
The bridge will cross the river at the old railway bridge point between Hesketh Bank in West Lancashire and Much Hoole in South Ribble.
It will be a landmark feature of the Ribble Coast and Wetlands Regional Park the bridge will provide an alternative crossing point to the A59 at Tarleton.
The successful entry from London-based JDA Architects with Arup was chosen from 110 entries in an international competition organised by the Royal Institute of British Architects.
West Lancashire people had their say on which bridge was selected when the seven short-listed designs were displayed at public consultation meetings in September.
Lancashire County Council will now work with other organisations involved in the scheme to get funding for the bridge.
In total 271 consultation feedback forms were received, with considerable support for the winning design.
People’s views were taken into consideration by the jury panel, which included representatives from Lancashire County Council, West Lancashire District Council, South Ribble Borough Council and the North West Regional Development Agency.
Matthew Tomlinson, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Development said: "Although the proposal is still at a very early stage this crossing represents a great opportunity to develop sustainable transport links in the area by allowing people to visit this unique part of the region without using the car."
Once built the bridge will provide a link for people wishing to travel and explore West Lancashire and South Ribble on foot, by bicycle and on horseback.
Bob Allen from the Ribble Coast and Wetlands Regional Park said: "The River Douglas bridge will be a crucial gateway opening up sustainable access to the internationally recognised wildlife habitats within the Regional Park."
From the Southport Visitor
No comments:
Post a Comment