The
River Douglas at Hesketh Bank is to become the focus of
attention for some of the country’s best architects
as Lancashire County Council launches a search for an
inspirational bridge design.
The
REMADE
in Lancashire land reclamation programme has commissioned
the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)
to run an architectural design competition for a new landmark
bridge to span the River Douglas at Hesketh Bank.
Architects
are being invited to submit designs for a bridge for use
by walkers, cyclists and horse riders which will be located
at the site of the former Preston to Southport railway
bridge.
The original railway bridge over the River
Douglas at Hesketh Bank was demolished after the 'Beeching
Report'
The
design competition, funded by the Northwest Regional Development
Agency, will result in six designs being short listed
by the judging panel in July 2008 with a final winner
being chosen in October 2008. The public and key stakeholders
will be invited to express their views on the short listed
entries during the summer.
County
Councillor Matthew Tomlinson, Cabinet member for Environment
and Transportation, said: “We are looking for something
really special that will make a big statement about the
area.
“This
design competition forms the first stage of a REMADE proposal
to create a new linear greenway linking the villages and
communities of West Lancashire and South Ribble districts.
“However
the designs look, the simple aim of the river crossing
will be to provide a safe off-road sustainable travel
and leisure route for use by local residents, schoolchildren
and people commuting between Southport and Preston.
“I
hope to see some inspirational designs that will help
us when it comes to seeking the necessary funding to turn
the ideas into reality.”
The
Ribble Coast is a popular location for enjoying the landscape
and the important wildlife of the estuary. The proposed
greenway will provide a key access route to attractions
within the emerging Ribble Coast and Wetlands Regional
Park including Martin Mere Wetland Centre and the RSPB
Hesketh Outmarsh reserve which is currently under development.
Peter
White, Executive Director of Development at the NWDA,
said: “Building a bridge at this location would
be an important first step in opening up the area for
walkers, cyclists and riders. This scheme will explore
the potential to create a fantastic new facility for local
people and visitors to enjoy. It will be a clear signal
of our intent to see the coordination of NWDA funded land
regeneration programmes in implementing regional park
aspirations.”
Bob
Allen, Executive Director of Groundwork Lancashire West
and Wigan and member of the Ribble Coast and Wetlands
Regional Park Steering Group, said: “The Douglas
Bridge crossing is seen as a flagship project for the
Ribble Coast and Wetlands Regional Park that will make
a substantial contribution to our access strategy. The
design competition is an exciting opportunity to develop
a high quality structure in keeping with the natural environment.”
