Rhyl residents have their say on new cycle bridge

Plans for a new iconic cycle and pedestrian bridge at Foryd Harbour in Rhyl have been revealed to residents of Rhyl and Kinmel Bay. They were asked to give their views on the plans after three public events were arranged allowing people to speak to officers directly involved in the proposals for the redevelopment of the harbour.

The proposed landmark foot and cycle bridge will create a new crossing over the Foryd Harbour and link into a network of new and existing walking and cycling routes in the heart of Rhyl's regeneration area, opening up the area for everyday journeys by cyclists and walkers.

The bridge is the focal piece of the Sustrans' Connect2 route in Rhyl and at the heart of Rhyl's regeneration strategy.I

t has been made possible with funding from the Welsh Assembly Government, ERDF and Sustrans' Connect2 since Sustrans won the TV vote to bring £50 million from the Big Lottery Fund.

There was good support for the need for clear cycle route signage and the plans in general for the site.

Other findings of the consultation showed that 76 per cent of people wanted to see an illumination scheme on the bridge to attract people’s attention and provide an iconic view at night as well as by day, while general suggestions for improvement to the plans included a restaurant, café or a themed eatery, and planting and seating improvements. Plans are to be developed next year for a naming competition for the bridge involving local schools.

Cllr David Thomas, Cabinet Lead Member for Regeneration, said in the Denbighshire Visitor: "There is still a lot of work to be done in achieving all the future developments in the plan but for now the council has an approval for convergence funding for business units on the Kinmel Bay side to create jobs around the marine industry and the new cycle/pedestrian bridge."

Sustrans’ Connect2 is revitalising walking and cycling in 79 communities across the UK by creating new routes for local journeys. Crossings and bridges are being created over busy roads, railway lines and rivers, linking into new networks of local paths.

In December 2007 this ambitious UK-wide project won the public vote in the Big Lottery Fund’s Living Landmarks: The People’s £50 Million contest, meaning 79 Connect2 schemes will transform local travel in communities to allow people to get around on foot or by bike, get fit and active and reduce their carbon footprint.