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Brunel bridge to span the Grand Union canal
ISAMBARD Kingdom Brunel’s first iron bridge – dramatically saved from demolition in 2004 – is to be rebuilt in Paddington.
The bridge, pictured, which dates from 1838, was saved in 2004 after it was discovered beneath a modern bridge in Paddington Station – one day before it was to be demolished.
It has been kept in English Heritage’s yard in Portsmouth for safe-keeping.
Town Hall planners this week moved to get the bridge back where it belongs – agreeing planning permission to rebuild it.
Design manager at British Waterways Steven Wakefield-Wylde said: “This is an unique bridge and we want to restore it close to where Brunel first built it, across the Grand Union Canal. Our plan is to see it continue as a working bridge to be used and enjoyed by the community.”
He added: “We must raise £3.5 million or it will stay in Portsmouth.”
The new bridge will cross the Grand Union at the Paddington Arm – connecting the station, basin, Little Venice and Sheldon Square, with Harrow Road and North Paddington.
English Heritage inspector of ancient monuments Dr Steven Brindle said £750,000 had already been raised.
He said: “We were very lucky to find Brunel’s historic masterpiece, just in time to prevent it being demolished. This is the earliest of maybe 10 iron bridges by Brunel to survive, its design is unique, it represents a turning point in Brunel’s thinking.”
It will take a year to prepare the structure and another six months to construct it. It could be open by the end of 2008. |
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