The brand-new Kelsey Park bridge has been officially opened today by the Mayor of Bromley, Councillor Jonathan Andrews.
The news follows the successful completion of the work to install the newly built bridge over the much-loved lake at Kelsey Park, with the bridge constructed off site in sections, which minimised inconvenience to park visitors during the construction phase. The bridge, using timber cladding on a steel structure, with Ekki wood selected for its sustainability, durability, and low‑maintenance qualities, has been installed on the existing abutments helping to minimise the cost.
Opening the bridge in the presence of the Friends of Kelsey Park and park visitors, the Mayor of Bromley, Councillor Jonathan Andrews said, “I am delighted that Kelsey Park bridge is back in use, so that the next generation of park visitors can enjoy all that Kelsey Park has to offer - including the beautiful views from the bridge, with no doubt many more happy memories to be created too. Thank you very much to park visitors and to the Friends of Kelsey Park for their patience and support whilst work to construct the bridge has moved forward. I would encourage residents to visit this lovely park and all it has to offer."
Wendy Hardy from the Friends of Kelsey Park said, “Already many park visitors have made the momentous crossing of the lake using the bridge, with old and young alike doing this. Many of us feel quite deeply about Kelsey Park, which is why we came together as the Friends of Kelsey Park all those years ago. If you are a regular visitor of the park, please feel free to join us and it would be great to hear from you. 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.”
Councillor Will Rowlands, Executive Councillor for Environment said "It is good news that the bridge is open again, and we were also pleased to secure Green Flag status, an independent confirmation of quality, for Kelsey Park for the first time last year, which underlines the high-status that this park has which also follows the council's substantial investment, with the brilliance of so many of our parks and green spaces evident to all who value these spaces so much."
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.
To join the Friends of Kelsey Park, visit their website www.fokp.org.uk.
Ends
For media enquiries, please contact Andrew Rogers, Head of Public Affairs on 020 8461 7670 or email Andrew.Rogers@bromley.gov.uk.