Media City bridge moves into position
An £11m footbridge connecting the Imperial War Museum North to Media City UK in the Quays has been rolled into place over the Manchester Ship Canal.
The NWDA said the swing bridge will improve access and encourage extra footfall around Trafford Wharf, Trafford Park, the Lowry, Media City UK, Imperial War Museum North and Old Trafford football and cricket grounds. The bridge will rotate on its circular plinth to allow ships to sail through.
Steven Broomhead, chief executive of the NWDA, said: "The bridge not only looks spectacular but it will be an important channel for improving access and connectivity to MediaCityUK and across the Quays.
"The Quays & Irwell River Park are strategic regional sites and the new bridge will help to drive economic growth along the river corridor from Manchester Victoria railway station to The Quays, linking approximately £3bn of economic assets delivered by the agency, partners and developers, and providing another legacy landmark for the Agency to leave for the region to enjoy."
Contractor Balfour Beatty Regional Civil Engineering spent four days moving the bridge into position. The bridge will open to the public in 2011 when the adjoining works at the Trafford Wharf Promenade outside Imperial War Museum North will also be complete.
Confused. Isn’t there already a photo-fantastic bridge that is two minutes walk from the Imperial Ware museam across to the Lowry? I realise the bridge doesn’t go to the actual media city site i.e. it requires walking around to/from the Lowry, but surely that doesn’t justify £11m – not when you take into account that the Lowry Shopping Mall should also be a destination to drive vistors to. Couldn’t the money (significantly less of it) have been spent on improving the public realm and wayfinding around the existing bridge? I am genuinely interested in opinions or views to the contrary, there may be a very good reason for another bridge.
By Maxell
I couldn’t agree more with the comments made by Maxwell.
By Malcolm
To be honest, if I was a trader in the Lowry I would be very annoyed about this bridge taking pedestrians away from the mall
By David H
Chaps, stick to your day jobs, you aren’t privy to some important information relating to the 11m bridge, just leave it to the boys and just keep you little noses in your little jobs. chow!
By Teddy
Interesting comment from our friend Teddy. Perhaps he was in on a little kickback connected to this white elephant. Less questions the better eh Ted? Thing is, the more you have your snout in the trough, the more traces you leave. Doesn’t pay to be greedy does it? Don’t worry old son, we know who you are and where you’re to be found. See you soon…
By BigTed