Major milestone for £47m leisure destination as bridge is lifted into place

A new bridge has been installed at Forge Island in Rotherham linking the flagship development with the town centre.

The Forge Island development, part of Rotherham Council’s regeneration vision for the town centre, is being delivered in partnership with the council, placemaker Muse and contractor Bowman + Kirkland.

The pedestrian bridge will offer a connection from the town centre to the new leisure destination – as well as a link to the town’s engineering heritage.

The 46-metre-long bridge, weighing 86 tonnes, was manufactured and installed by SH Structures, specialists in the design and manufacture of complex steel structures.

The design takes inspiration from the famous Bailey Bridge; a portable, steel-truss bridge, designed and developed by Rotherham-born civil engineer, Donald Bailey, which was used by the military throughout Europe during the Second World War.

Designed by FaulknerBrowne Architects, the bridge is a celebration of Rotherham’s engineering heritage.

It will provide pedestrians and cyclists with a crossing from the town centre across the River Don, to the new waterside destination, which will feature independent and family-friendly eateries alongside boutique cinema operator, The Arc and national hotel chain, Travelodge.

Andrew Fairest, project director at Muse, said: “This is an important milestone for the whole Forge Island development, as we link this new waterfront destination to the Rotherham community, making sure everyone has the opportunity to enjoy what Forge Island has to offer.

“Rotherham’s engineering heritage was a wonderful starting point for the Muse team, offering a rich seam of inspiration and shaping our thinking around Forge Island.

“The bridge is a key part of this exciting new chapter in Rotherham’s story, linking the past with the present and future.”

Over the next few weeks, a podium is being built on site, which will elevate the scheme out of the floodplain of the River Don.

Work will then begin to construct the buildings and landscaped public spaces, including a stepped amphitheatre beside Rotherham Lock.

Rotherham Council’s cabinet member for jobs and economy, Councillor Denise Lelliott, said: “The bridge not only shows that the Forge Island development scheme is forging ahead, is it also showcases a symbolic connection between Forge Island and the heart of the town centre.

“Once Forge Island opens, this bridge will be the main gateway from the cinema, hotel and restaurants to the rich heritage and culture of the town centre, and I am sure that my footsteps will be a few of thousands.”

Construction on the £47m Forge Island scheme is led by contractor Bowmer + Kirkland, working alongside the wider project team which also includes Arup, Helm Consulting, Arcadis and re-form Landscape Architecture.

Forge Island is set to open to the public in 2024.