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The new Alma Bridge opens

  • by JW

“Hopefully it will be a catalyst to further the regeneration of this underused area.”

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Sidmouth has a new bridge:

The replacement Alma Bidge in Sidmouth has been opened | Sidmouth Herald

Vital new footbridge for Sidmouth opens – Devon Live

Official opening of new footbridge in Sidmouth | sidmouth.nub.news

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Proposals for replacement access across the River Sid were not without controversy:

Futures Forum: Design of new Alma Bridge: “While some decribed it as ‘hideous’ and ‘ugly’, others said it was ‘impressive’ and the town was ‘very lucky’ to have secured funding.”

Futures Forum: Design of new Alma Bridge released >>> “the proposal isn’t the prettiest footbridge but the engineer is literally up against a hard place, ie a steep sided cliff face”

Futures Forum: “The Ham needs something rather more special: the proposed new Alma Bridge is functional but undistinctive”

Futures Forum: The ‘monstrous inappropriateness’ of the new Alma Bridge design >>> ‘The position cries out for delicate curves not flint like hard slabs.’

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In yesterday’s press release from the County Council, it is clear that some of these concerns were considered:

Although contemporary in design, the bridge features curved and profiled ‘rib’ parapet posts to giving a nautical appearance relevant to coastal locations. The east side abutment and ramp structure has curved ends, softening its appearance and emergence from the sandstone cliffs. This structure is clad in Purbeck Blue limestone which has been selected to match the existing walling on the east side and is one of the strata found on the Jurassic Coast.

Official opening of new footbridge in Sidmouth – News centre

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On a forward-looking note, Councillor Ian Barlow, Chair of Sidmouth Town Council, commented:

“This is a great way to start the enhancement of not just the Ham, but the Eastern end of our seafront, and hopefully it will be a catalyst to further the regeneration of this underused area and bring it up to the high standards we have become accustomed in the rest of the town. The County Council has shown that working with us as a local Town Council benefits us all and our thanks must got to them for this forward looking plan and the substantial investment involved on our behalf and for the generations to come.”

Official opening of new footbridge in Sidmouth | sidmouth.nub.news