Residents help make new Tay bridge a reality
The Connect2 bid for £50m of Lottery money has been successful – meaning proposals for a new foot and cycle bridge over the River Tay in Perth can now move forward.
The new bridge between Perth and Scone was one of 79 projects which made up the Sustrans Connect2 bid. It was named as the winner of the People’s Millions competition this week after it beat off three other bids in a national phone vote.
Enterprise and Infrastructure Convener, Councillor John Kellas said: "This is fantastic news. I would like to thank everyone who has worked so hard in Perth to make sure this money was secured.
"I would also like to thank all the members of the public who took the time to vote for the Connect2 project. Thanks to their votes we now have the opportunity to work towards making this proposed bridge a reality.
"We now look forward to working with Sustrans to examine how this project can be taken forward."
How various bridge designs could look:
Bow string arch
Cable stayed solution
Three span arch
Trapezoidal box
The bridge would mean that people could cross the river without having to use the busy Perth Bridge. People on the Perth side would have quick access to Kinnoull Hill, Quarrymill Woodland Park, Scone village and all the events the beautiful surrounding countryside.
People on the Scone side would be able to travel by foot or bike to Perth's schools, the North Inch, Perth College, the city centre's shops and leisure facilities, as well as their workplaces.
It would also provide a link for people on the Scone side to the Sustrans National Cycle Network route 77 - the cycle path on the North Inch which is part of the "Salmon Run" cycle route from Dundee to Pitlochry.
It is planned to work closely with the local community to plant more greenery and create community artworks along the paths either side of the bridge, to create an environment that welcomes and encourages people to make their everyday journeys by foot and bike.
Perth & Kinross Council leader, Councillor Ian Miller, said: " A new foot and cycle bridge across the Tay at this location could make a huge difference to people's lives. We are working hard to make it a reality and we also need local people from across Perth and Kinross to support the scheme by picking up the phone to cast their votes in December when the TV show airs."
Councillor Lewis Simpson, who lives in Scone said: "This would give the people of Scone a direct route into Perth by foot or by bike for the first time. People on the Perth side would also be able to access Scone and the surrounding locality easily, which can only be good for the area.
Local support is very important. We need people to tell us what they think about the scheme, attend any meetings organised about the bridge, get involved by volunteering time or expertise, or by joining the Connect2 campaign. We hope to get local communities fully involved in this project."
Councillor Jack Coburn, the elected member for Perth City Centre, is also behind the proposals. He said: "It is vitally important that Perth and Kinross people register their votes when the Living Landmarks TV show goes on air. It is up to local people whether or not this scheme succeeds. The bridge will enhance the lives of local people by connecting two areas that are very close geographically, but have always been kept apart by the short expanse of the Tay. We hope to come up with an iconic design that will make the bridge a real landmark."
The bridge has the backing of ByCycle, the Perth & Kinross Cycle Campaign. Its Chair, Bill Grigg, said: "ByCycle has been campaigning for a new cycle and footpath bridge across the Tay for several years and Connect2 offers an opportunity to make this a reality. The new bridge would encourage people out of their cars and make it possible for them to get to work, school and to leisure and social activities by foot or by bike. It would also connect Perth people to Scone, enhancing links around the city and open up access to existing networks of paths and cycle routes in a major way."
Local Sustrans Officer, Emma Burtles said: "The proposed Perth bridge is one of the most exciting and iconic projects within the Connect2 bid. It provides an important link for people throughout Perth enabling safe and easy access to the city and countryside. Your voice will make it happen so please vote for Sustrans in December."
To find out more about the Perth Connect2 bridge scheme please mail Emma Burtles at EEBurtles@pkc.gov.uk or Councillor Lewis Simpson at LDDSimpson@pkc.gov.uk. You can also write to Councillor Simpson at 2 High Street, Perth, PH1 5PH.
Alternatively, you can call Sustrans on 0845 0581373 or email connect2@sustrans.org. You can also visit the website http://www.sustransconnect2.org.uk/.
