Delayed £7.5m bridge for Hull's Old Town will finally swing into action
A £7.5 million footbridge over the River Hull is set to open a year later than originally planned.
Uncertainty over public spending cuts is being blamed for the delay.
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Work is progressing on the footbridge for the Old Town area.
The ambitious project was initially spearheaded by city economy company Hull Forward with funding coming from regional development agency Yorkshire Forward.
But Hull Forward was wound up last September and Yorkshire Forward faces a similar fate next April.
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After Hull Forward's demise, responsibility for the project was transferred to Hull City Council.
Destined to connect the Old Town with the east bank of the River Hull, the bridge project's budget has seen £400,000 frozen this year because of funding cuts at Yorkshire Forward.
Now it has been confirmed work to construct the swing bridge is scheduled to be completed in August this year.
Initially, the bridge had been expected to open to pedestrians and cyclists late last year.
Councillor Rick Welton, portfolio holder for regeneration, said: "Budget reviews for both Hull City Council and Yorkshire Forward in the light of the public sector finance situation have delayed the process."
The footbridge was originally meant to provide a link to a new £100 million residential and office scheme on the east bank, close to Myton Bridge.
However, the development fell victim to the recession and only a hotel and a multi-storey car park were completed.
The bridge has been billed as a potential tourist attraction in its own right.
It has been designed to work like a giant pinball table flipper, with areas for people to stand on it as it moves to open for passing river traffic.
The design also includes space for a small café on the main structure.
Comments
by Steven, Hull
Tuesday, February 15 2011, 5:18PM
“When this bridge was first put forward for planning wasn¿t this funded by a private business investors, and the money was secured before the collapse of the project,
I¿m sure it was so it hasn¿t cost us a penny it's just been handed over to Hull City Council now and if they have had to pay £400.000 for a new foot bridge to cover the bridge budget cut this is a good investment, because the recession will not last for ever if this bridge is in place then I¿m sure people will start looking at developing the area and hasn¿t a licence for a 24hr casino been given the green light for the east bank area.”
by Harry Hill, Harold Hill
Tuesday, February 15 2011, 3:31PM
“I like Pret and I like Cafe Rouge. but which one is better? ...............There's only one way to find out!
The little hut on the new bridge is surely not big enough for such a main player. I heard that "Rick's Plaice" , "Minns-a-Cuppa" or "Colin's Drop-in" are favourites so far............”
by Mick Oxlong, Tripped up and ended up in a tree
Tuesday, February 15 2011, 2:36PM
“Lets see how many drunken fools fall in the river from this bridge before it needs a fence erecting around it or it is close due to being dangerous.”
by East Hull Tiger, East Hull coming over the bridge
Tuesday, February 15 2011, 12:30PM
“Great to see at least one Yorkshire Forward regeneration project nearing completion. Lets hope the old town regeneration can be completed as the recession ebbs away and Hull moves on to a bright new future with its new wind turbine industries and promotion back to Premier League football.”
by mike, stuck in the mud
Tuesday, February 15 2011, 12:14PM
“is this a bridge or just a very expensive fair ground ride. it serves no purpose for the people of hull , just a few hotel staff”
by Man on a mission, Bob
Tuesday, February 15 2011, 11:45AM
“Happy Bloke Billy
I hear Councillor Welton is leaving us!!!!! looks like a white Elephant we shall be left with?
We can afford this but nothing for the young or old peoples services
Ricky”
by Billy, Hull
Tuesday, February 15 2011, 9:09AM
“A complete waste of money that nobody will use except drunks on a Saturday night who will need rescuing from the river after they have fallen in.”
by BlackCountryHumbersider, Hedon & Radcliffe
Tuesday, February 15 2011, 7:50AM
“Any suggestions for the cafe/sandwich bar operator? Pret a Manger would be a great start or Cafe Rouge. Have used their establishments in Brindley Place and both are of the highest calibre. I hope the names in the frame are ones that will be new to Hull and more "upmarket".
And yes, I have changed my name slightly as a move away from Mancunia is imminent (I hope).”