Bath Western Riverside Supplementary Planning Document (SPD)

Destructor Bridge (Midland Road)2.11.18 This bridge was constructed in 1870 formerly on thesite of the present Midland Bridge as a private road–bridge to Green Park, it was moved downstream to itspresent site. It provided a connection between therefuse incinerator ‘The Destructor’ and the oldscavengers yard opposite. It is a typical MidlandRailway wrought iron lattice girder design. It retains itsdecorative iron scrolls at the girder ends. This bridgewill need to be replaced, it will provide for two-waytraffic serving both pedestrians and vehicles; it providesthe crossing point for the green link to Victoria Park.2.11.19 The new bridge needs to respect the historic role of theDestructor Bridge, and needs to consider incorporatingthe decoration from the existing bridge possiblythrough a modern reinterpretation. Removal of theexisting bridge requires conservation area consent.Potential New Crossing to Norfolk Crescent2.11.20 It is possible that an additional pedestrian bridgewould be required to support the commercial uses inthe city extension. The case for an additional crossingwould need to be demonstrated. Any new crossingfalls within the conservation area boundary. Any newcrossing, if required, must not compete with theprimacy of Victoria Bridge.Victoria Bridge2.11.21 This elegant suspension bridge is grade II* listed, builtin 1836, must be retained and restored as part of theredevelopment of the site.2.11.22 It provides an excellent townscape marker with itsarched supports in Bath stone. It is the central pointwithin the scheme, and is a well loved and respectedestablished landmark, nothing surrounding this bridgemust compete with its in terms of scale or style. Thespatial masterplan has identified it for pedestrians andcyclists only.2.11.23 The environment around the bridge and its settingcould benefit from considerable improvements. Thespatial masterplan has allowed for a considerable openspace around the bridge to accommodate theseimprovements.2.11.24 There are some technical limitations on the bridge inrespect of loading and vibration that will needaddressing in a sensitive way, to respect the listedstructure.2.11.25 Victoria Bridge is a key pedestrian bridge on the desireline between Lower Bristol Road and Victoria Park, itwill retain and strengthen this role with the developmentof attractive pedestrian routes to the north and south,and in particular its concurrence with the VictoriaBridge Cascades.Sainsbury’s Bridge – (Ivo Peters Road)2.11.26 This bridge is the existing rail bridge that served GreenPark Station, alongside is the poor quality pedestriancovered bridge. This crossing point needs toaccommodate both the RTS and pedestrians at a keypoint across to the city centre. Removal of this bridgerequires Conservation Area Consent. A detailed designsolution for the future of this crossing needs furtherinvestigation.Midland Bridge Road Bridge2.11.27 This bridge falls outside the site boundary but, as withWindsor Bridge, remains an important part of thehighway infrastructure that supports the site.Bath Western Riverside Supplementary Planning Document 43