News / Cumberland Basin
Brunel’s ‘other’ bridge to stay where it is
A Brunel-designed bridge which was earmarked to play a central role in the redevelopment of the Albion Dockyard now looks likely to stay in its current location next to the Cumberland Basin.
The swivel bridge underneath the much larger Plimsoll Bridge is older than the Clifton Suspension Bridge but is the only disused structure by Brunel in Bristol.
Known colloquially as Brunel’s ‘other’ bridge, it opened in 1849 and was designed to carry traffic over the new South Entrance Lock, also called Brunel’s Lock.
is needed now More than ever
The Grade II*-listed bridge was decommissioned in 1968 after construction over the Plimsoll Bridge as part of the new Cumberland Basin road system and is currently on English Heritage’s Heritage at Risk Register.
The SS Great Britain Trust had been planning to incorporate the swing bridge into their plans for the Albion Dockyard, but following feedback have now confirm that the bridge’s relocation has been taken out of the project plan.
Part of the reason for this is advice from Historic England that the bridge should stay where it is while there remains a possibility that future redevelopment options could provide the opportunity to save it in situ.
Brunel’s swivel bridge featured prominently in the original plans for the Albion Dockyard, which include building a replica of the paddle steamer Great Western – image: SS Great Britain Trust
SS Great Britain Trust chair, Jim McKenna, said: “Public feedback and support for the project has been tremendous and we’re delighted to be taking the Albion Dockyard plans to Bristol City Council planners shortly.
“Saving Brunel’s swivel bridge is incredibly important to the Trust. It is highly significant in terms of its innovative design features, and very likely the earliest and oldest surviving example of a Brunel designed tubular wrought iron structure.
“Bringing it back to the Albion Dockyard where it was built, where it could be operated and seen by many more people as part of the transformational Albion Dockyard Project was a key part of the plan for the project.
“However, we have listened closely to Historic England, and if a viable solution can be found to save the bridge in its Cumberland Basin location, then the Trust supports their expert view.
“Nevertheless, if the redevelopment plans do not provide suitable protection and care for this important structure, then the Trust stands ready to save it and care for it to the highest standards in the future.
“The Trust will continue to listen to wide-ranging views and areas of expertise as we develop plans that will really benefit Bristol and the West of England region.”
The Brunel Swivel Bridge Group are restoring the bridge to a working condition, hoping for it to become a pedestrian and cyclist crossing over Howard’s Entrance Lock – photo: Martin Booth
Main photo: Martin Booth
Read next:
- Fears for future of Brunel’s ‘other’ bridge
- More buildings and structures around Cumberland Basin become listed
- Discover the hidden underground secrets of Clifton Suspension Bridge
- Recreation of Great Western ‘a unique opportunity for Bristol’
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