Spinningfields bridge installed

A new 44-metre footbridge linking Manchester's Spinningfields with central Salford has been lowered into place over the River Irwell.

Funded by the European Regional Development Fund, Spinningfields developer Allied London, and Salford City Council, the new footbridge is part of the Irwell River Park programme.

When it opens in the spring, the bridge will link Leftbank in Spinningfields and land close to the Mark Addy pub on Stanley Street in Salford.

Stanley Street will also benefit from new lighting and paving, creating a new riverside route across New Bailey Street towards Chapel Wharf.

Cllr John Merry, leader of Salford City Council, said: "It is always exciting when we are so near to completing a new landmark for the city. More importantly, this new bridge will unlock the economic potential of this area of Salford, setting the scene for further jobs, ready to develop much needed business and commercial space in New Bailey."

Sir Howard Bernstein, chief executive of Manchester City Council and vice chairman of the North West European Regional Development Fund Local Management Committee, said: "This vital piece of infrastructure will make an important contribution to economic growth in Salford and Spinningfields – the benefits will be felt by local people and businesses."

Mike Ingall, chief executive of Allied London, said: "Despite challenging economic conditions, we are committed to the continued evolution of Spinningfields and the completion of this new footbridge is testament to the determination of all parties involved to see this project delivered. The bridge will offer a much better and easier route between Spinningfields and New Bailey, encourage further commercial development and greatly assist the asset management of Leftbank, bringing vibrancy to this area of our development.

"Now the bridge is complete, we intend to announce our next phase of development for this part of Spinningfields, with proposals for a very unique scheme released by early spring."

This is the third of five new proposed bridge connections across the Irwell.