CASTLE BRIDGE OPENS UP FINZELS REACH TO BRISTOL
Twisting its way gracefully across Bristol’s historic waterway, Castle Bridge offers a striking connection between Finzels Reach and the city centre.
Made from a series of unique curved steel sections topped with timber decking, sculptured cladding and feature lighting, the 91 metre-long bridge is a new landmark for Bristol.
Designed by The Bush Consultancy for both pedestrians and cyclists, the bridge provides easy access to Castle Park, the main shopping areas and the nearby ferry landing station.
Castle Bridge forms part of Cubex’s wider vision to create plenty of car-free landscaped public space within the quarter, to draw people in and foster a real sense of community.
BRISTOL NAMES CASTLE BRIDGE
The name – Castle Bridge – was chosen by public vote and the bridge was officially opened by Gavin Bridge, director of developer Cubex, and local musician, Barry Walsh, one of the people who suggested the name.
“Castle Bridge sums up the history of the place perfectly. I remember my mother shopping on Castle Street, the city’s main shopping street, which was left as a wasteland after the Bristol Blitz during the Second World War, which later became Castle Park. When I decided to put forward a name for the new bridge, it was clear to me straight away it should be Castle Bridge – given it is in what would once have been the shadow of the castle for hundreds of years. It’s a beautiful bridge and a real honour to have been chosen to help name and open it.” – Barry Walsh
BUILDING THE BRIDGE
Castle Bridge was a complex and challenging construction project.
Canal barges were needed to bring materials to the site and specialist divers to help survey it and prepare for the underwater work. Its unusually sinuous shape was designed so the bridge would have the minimum gradient possible between either side of the Floating Harbour.
The eye-catching structure will be a lasting legacy of the Finzels Reach development – a unique footbridge that will be enjoyed by people for many years to come.
