Name that bridge

Six designs for a new bridge across the River Avon are to be unveiled as part of an international design competition run by Bath and North East Somerset Council.

Bath Quays

The designs for Bath Quays Bridge will be showcased at an exhibition to be held at the One Stop Shop on Manvers Street, Bath, from September 14 – 25.

The designs will also be available to view online – from Monday, September 14th – at www.bathnes.gov.uk/bathquaysbridge.

Cllr Tim Warren (Conservative, Mendip) Leader of the Council, said: “The new bridge is an essential component of the Council’s plans to create a new business district, Bath Quays, in the city’s riverside quarter. A development of the scale of Bath Quays is a fantastic opportunity for Bath to reinvent a somewhat overlooked corner and connect it with the vibrant and beautiful historic city.”

Improving the look of the River Avon through the city.

Councillor Patrick Anketell-Jones (Conservative, Lansdown), Cabinet Member for Economic Development, said: “This is a game-changing development for Bath. We want to gauge public opinion on the competition entries before we select the preferred design for what will become a major landmark in the city.”

The design competition began in February 2015 when it was advertised internationally to ensure a wide and expert field of applicants. 50 architectural and engineering practices from the UK and beyond applied to be considered and these have been reduced to a shortlist of six design teams by a judging panel made up of Council representatives and respected figures from the fields of bridge engineering and architecture.

Voting boxes will be available at the exhibition and feedback can also be given online, so members of the public can choose their favourite design. This feedback will then be considered by the jury panel as they decide which design should be adopted.

Alongside the exhibition of the six designs all 50 children’s entries for the Bath Bridge Top Trumps competition will on display at the One Stop Shop. The winners of the competition will be selected by the expert panel of bridge design judges.

The winning design for the Bath Quays Bridge and the winners of the Top Trumps competition will be announced in November.