Ancoats bridge swings into place
A NEW footbridge linking Urban Splash’s New Islington scheme with the wider Ancoats Urban Village development has just been opened.
The 10m-long steel footbridge, which is 2.5m-wide so it can be used by cyclists, is the last of five new bridges to open and will also link to a new Metrolink station on Pollard Street that is set to open in Spring 2012 when trams begin running to Droylsden.
It is part of £4.4m worth of public realm improvements in the area, which has been funded by the North West Development Agency. This has included the creation of a new marina for narrow boats and a public promenade with new bridges, public pathways and a park keepers’ hut which will house amenities for boaters.
Eddie Smith, chief executive of New East Manchester, described the opening as “an important milestone in the development of New Islington”.
“This bridge will help connect the tram station and Cotton Field, the newly created park, allowing local residents and visitors easy access to this stunning new public space on the edge of the city centre.”
Paul Lakin, Director of Land and Property at the NWDA, said: “The regeneration of New Islington was a major project at risk of stalling because of market conditions.
“Now, huge changes are taking place to create an attractive environment which will spark private sector investment. Finishing the bridge is a key step in our objective to improve overall access which will bring new life and vitality to New Islington.”
The first section of promenade will open to the public before Christmas.
