MediaCity’s £11m footbridge in place
A new landmark footbridge, connecting The Imperial War Museum and Irwell River Park to Peel’s MediaCityUK has been lowered into position over the Manchester Ship Canal.
The £11m bridge, funded by the NWDA, will provide better access and encourage extra footfall around Trafford Wharf and through to Trafford Park, the Lowry, MediaCityUK, Imperial War Museum North and Old Trafford football and cricket grounds.
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 £3 billion worth 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.”
The bridge, engineered by Balfour Beatty Regional Civil Engineering (BBRCE), took four days to move into position and will be ready and open to the public in 2011 when the adjoining works at the Trafford Wharf Promenade will also complete. An official, joint, opening ceremony for both projects will take place in the new year.
Bryan Gray, Chairman of Peel Media, developers of MediaCityUK said:
The positioning of the bridge is yet another exciting milestone for MediaCityUK. This is a magnificent structure which opens up the Quays and makes MediaCityUK easily accessible for people living, working and visiting the £600million development.
