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The Grade II-listed bridge was originally built in 1833
The oldest surviving crossing over a river in Nottingham is getting a refurbishment to preserve the landmark and “improve connectivity for pedestrians”.
As part of the near-£20m revamp of Bulwell town centre, the stone bridge over the River Leen will be getting a series of improvements.
The Grade II-listed bridge was originally built in 1833, and despite a restoration in 1979, it has largely stood untouched for decades.
The Georgian structure is the oldest surviving crossing over the River Leen, according to planning documents.
Under the plans, which have been approved, the foot-way will be widened to improve the route for pedestrians, as well as users of wheelchairs, buggies, and mobility scooters.
A full condition survey of the bridge will also be carried out, and any areas that need further attention will be noted, including the replacement of deteriorating mortar in the joints.
Sarah MacPherson, senior planner for Marrons, said: “The project is part of Nottingham’s regeneration strategy following the successful £20 million Levelling Up funding bid for Bulwell, secured in 2023.
“The overall thrust of the plans is to support regeneration and improvement of the public realm, to encourage economic, social and environmental improvements.
“This development is very much in support of that aim and will help facilitate positive improvements to the public realm of Bulwell, while respecting the historic listed status of the bridge and conservation area.”
It is understood that the bridge was financed by the owners of Bulwell Hall and was constructed by George Holmes, a local stone mason whose carved initials are still visible on the bridge.
Until the end of the 19th-century, the bridge was the only crossing over the River Leen in Bulwell, after which an iron footbridge and a road traffic bridge were built nearby.
In 1979, the bridge underwent restoration, having fallen into a state of disrepair.
However, documents say the extent of both disrepair and restoration works is unknown.
Following the opening of Bulwell tram station at the railway station, the site has become an extremely busy thoroughfare and is therefore in need of improvements.
Planning documents say that while the appearance of the surface of the bridge will change, this will have no impact upon the overall architectural or historic interest of the bridge.
The roadway will be resurfaced with buff-coloured macadam – or asphalt – which is a light, sandy-colour, similar to Cotswold stone or traditional gravel.
Pedestrian areas will be re-surfaced in smooth Indian granite flag paving.
“The proposed resurfacing works will introduce a shared surface to the bridge which will improve the flow of traffic across the bridge as well as accessibility, ensuring that the bridge can sustain its historic use as a key crossing point across the River Leen,” documents add.
Nottingham City Council successfully bid for £19.8m from the previous Government’s Levelling Up Fund to revamp the area and boost economic growth, and a consultation took place in 2022 to find out what residents wanted to see improved.
Improvements to the wider area will include a revamp of Bulwell Bogs to feature new planting, a splash park, a refreshments kiosk, toilets and changing facilities, an upgrade to the market place with improved stalls, and a refurbishment of the “wider public realm” with new paving, seating and planting.
Work began in October.
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