How the new bridge may look at East Cliff

A temporary bridge put up in the 1970s to replace a crumbling Victorian bridge is to be demolished and replaced with a new bridge.

Bailey bridge, what was Vicars bridge, is being revamped as part of work on the Park Hotel and the East Cliff area.

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The new bridge will see a cycle path into Avenham and Miller Park unlocked for the first time.

Currently you cannot cycle up from the park to the train station – without needing to go up Fishergate Hill or back to Winckley Square.

Another view of the bridge, showing where the cycle path will join

Plans from Cassidy + Ashton, on behalf of Lancashire County Council, state: “The development will result in the loss of an asset of low significance as a heritage asset and its replacement with a new permanent bridge.

“Looking at the wider impact upon the Avenham Conservation Area, the current bridge is unattractive and out of place. It is essentially a temporary military structure which bears to
relation to its setting and looks at odds with the adjacent listed building and the Conservation Area as a whole.

Read more: Looking back at when Vicars bridge was built in 1848

“From public viewpoints, the bridge will be significantly more attractive and remove what is currently regarded as a negative feature. When approaching from the east on East Cliff, a more open view into the East Cliff complex will be apparent with the artificial ramps removed and wider carriageway. This is turn will sit more comfortably alongside the adjacent listed building.

“Underneath, the approved cycle way will be able to be completed which will not only allow the area to be tidied up but a sustainable link created to Preston railway station. ”

Work on the Vicars Bridge in 2013

Plans for the bridge come as the Park Hotel – opened in 1883 – is to be reopened under new ownership after being transferred into the county council’s pension fund.

The full plans can be seen on the Preston City Council website and comments can also be left there.

What do you think of the bridge plans? Do you cycle in Preston? Let us know your views in the comments below