New Perth bridge design public vote
Despite Perth and Kinross Council undergoing its biggest spending review in living memory, its commitment to building a new multi-million pound pedestrian and cycle bridge across the River Tay in Perth is set in "tablets of stone," council leader Ian Miller has insisted.
- By Eric Nicolson
- Published in the Courier : 13.08.10
- Published online : 13.08.10 @ 08.46pm
Councillor Miller made the pledge as he launched a consultation process that will let locals decide on the design of the Connect2 bridge.
He pointed out that their share of the £2.6m project has already been committed and won't be withdrawn.
Transport charity Sustrans are putting the £1.25m they were awarded by the Big Lottery Fund into the pot, while the council (through regional transport partnership, TACTRAN), will contribute £1.386m.
"That money is already in place," Mr Miller stated.
"I'm sure some people will be concerned about the ongoing financial situation of the council, but all I can say is that this is money that is already in the budget — it's not new money.
"A huge amount of work has gone on already and there is a commitment to go ahead with the project, and it will go ahead.
"It's a decision that was previously taken by the council and is in tablets of stone. It is not part of the spending review."
Over the next three weeks the council will be inviting views on two designs created for the bridge that will span the river from the North Inch to Isla Road at Upper Springlands.
Designs
One of them has three arches, the largest of which is 126 metres long and 20 metres high.
The second, which is 25% cheaper, is flat.
It would involve piers being built into the river bed, while the arched bridge would only have two piers constructed into the banks.
The public decision on which bridge goes forward will be final.
The project comprises the bridge as well as improvements to local walking and cycle routes linking to it.
The detailed design of the bridge is the next stage in the project after initial design works and ground investigations, and the completion of an environmental impact assessment.
It is hoped — subject to planning permission being granted — construction of the bridge will begin in 2011, with building work expected to take six to eight months to complete.
Mr Miller said, "The Connect2 project has always very much been a community project, beginning with the huge local support for the Big Lottery Fund competition back in 2007.
"It is intended to improve routes for walkers and cyclists in Perth and link both sides of the Tay with a bridge specifically designed for pedestrian and bike use.
"Ensuring we get the public involved in the project and consult them at the final design stage is therefore very important.
Decision-making
"We want people to tell us which of the two options they prefer so the community has a real hand in the decision-making process."
He added, "This is the first stage in our community engagement plans for the project and we will be looking to involve the public further in decisions such as naming the bridge. I hope as many people as possible will take the time to respond and help us decide how the bridge will look."
Rowena Colpitts, Sustrans scheme manager, said, "This is an excellent project which has the potential to really boost walking and cycling around Perth.
"It will benefit the town and form an easy and obvious off-road route for cyclists and walkers to Scone.
"This is a great opportunity for the public to become involved and choose the style of this bridge, which will be a landmark in the area for years to come."
Mr Miller acknowledged some disruption to the North Inch golf course while work is carried out is unavoidable.
The main affected areas will be the 15th green and 17th tee.
To view the designs and to vote, go to www.pkc.gov.uk/ connect2.
The survey will be open until midnight on Friday, September 3.
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