News / Vauxhall Bridge
Historic England deny claims about preserving bomb damage to bridge
Historic England have denied claims made by a senior Labour councillor about preserving bomb damage in the repairs to Vauxhall Bridge.
The influential public body say they did not insist that damage from World War Two was kept despite the claims from a former cabinet member.
Vauxhall Bridge was closed in October 2023 and over the next three years will be painstakingly repaired.
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Kye Dudd claimed during a member forum meeting that Historic England were insisting bomb damage on the bridge over the New Cut is kept as part of the repairs.
But this was disputed by the organisation, who said “at no point have we suggested World War Two damage be retained”.
Because of its “very poor structural condition”, contractors are carrying out repairs work in separate phases to avoid overloading the bridge between Spike Island and Southville with too much scaffolding.
Bristol City Council is repairing rather than replacing Vauxhall Bridge because it is a Grade-II listed structure.
Repairs to Vauxhall Bridge are estimated to take three years – photo: Martin Booth
Dudd said: “It was reported to the harbour committee a few weeks ago that they (Historic England) are insisting the World War Two bomb damage on the bridge is kept, as part of the project.
“I thought that was taking things just a little bit too far.
“It’s a complicated project anyway. There was another bridge project, the Iron Bridge in Kingsweston, that was delayed for years and years. One of the big factors was Historic England’s involvement in that project.”
After the meeting, Historic England said the council had contacted them earlier this year to review the planned repairs.
The repairs include “replicating historic details that may ultimately have caused the current damage”.
A Historic England spokesperson said: “Our suggestion was a different design detail, which might avoid the need for more repair in the future and could be cheaper to produce.
“At no point have we suggested that World War Two damage be retained.”
Vauxhall Bridge in September 2023 before it closed for repairs which are likely to take at least three years – photo: Martin Booth
The Kingsweston Iron Bridge closed in 2015 after suffering damage from a lorry driving underneath.
After repairs, the council finally reopened the bridge in April. A drawn-out row over plans for a new disabled access ramp delayed the project, which was ultimately not built.
Main photo: Martin Booth
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