The brand-new Kelsey Park bridge is now back in pride of place in the park.
Open from today (10 March), visitors can once more cross over the lake and take in the magnificent splendour of this much-loved park. The surrounding footpaths are also open with some finishing touches still being carried out.
Constructed off site in sections, the bridge has been installed on the existing abutments helping to minimise the cost. The bridge abutments were found to be suitable for reuse through an investigatory survey, and with revised design work the structural integrity of the bridge will not be compromised.
Opening the bridge in the presence of the Friends of Kelsey Park, Councillor Will Rowlands, Executive Councillor for Environment said, “I know many residents will agree that it’s wonderful to have a new bridge back in its rightful place just in time for the glory that spring brings to our parks. Kelsey Park is somewhere to visit over and over again as the seasons change - it has so much to offer. I for one have really enjoyed standing on the bridge once more, enjoying the vista across this popular park.
“Thanks must go to residents who have visited Kelsey Park and waited patiently while the planning, design work and the re-design were taking place in the background and then during the onsite works to deliver this fantastic project to reinstate the bridge safely and securely for all to enjoy,” Councillor Rowlands added.
”Thank you as well to the Friends of Kelsey Park for their tireless work to help look after the park and I know they will be glad to see the new bridge in place. I know the Friends would love to hear from anyone interested in joining them too.”
Wendy Hardy from the Friends of Kelsey Park said, “We are delighted to see the bridge open again and are sure that a new generation of visitors will continue to make precious memories on the new bridge for many years ahead.”
The work was undertaken by Land and Water, the contractor who successfully completed desilting work last year, cleverly phasing the work to ensure minimal disruption to park visitors.
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