News / South Bristol
Historic bridge destroyed during construction of new facility
A historic bridge has been destroyed during the construction of a “much-needed” facility in south Bristol.
The stone bridge has been demolished as part of the development of a new recycling centre, which is due to open later this year.
The bridge ran over a section of Pigeonhouse Stream, on the site of the new centre between Knowle West and Hartcliffe Way.
is needed now More than ever
But developers say the removal of the bridge, believed to have been built before the 1840s, was permitted.
An arrow points to the location of the former bridge on the site of the future recycling centre in south Bristol – photo: Bristol Waste
A spokesperson for city council-owned Bristol Waste said: “During clearance works for the much-needed reuse and recycling centre on Hartcliffe Way, remnants of a small bridge were identified underneath a 1960s concrete bridge and overgrown vegetation.
“The bridge was reported to the local planning authority’s archaeological officer who advised that demolition of the structure could continue. This was required to allow progression of essential flood compensation works.
“A photographic record of the bridge and the works have been taken and will be uploaded to Know Your Place to ensure the community have a permanent record of the feature.”
The bridge was also at the bottom of the Western Slopes, a green space which the council had until recently earmarked for hundreds of new homes.
But a privately-owned section of the slopes is still the subject of a 157-home planning application, which is due to be decided on later this year.
Main photo: Know Your Place
Read more: Bristol needs more bridges
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