The Leader of Worcester City Council has today welcomed the announcement by the Government of £1 million in funding for a proposed new walking and cycling bridge across the River Severn.
The investment in the ambitious project is among £12 million coming to Worcestershire as part of the Government's Getting Building Fund, which aims to deliver jobs, skills and infrastructure across the country.
Councillor Marc Bayliss, Leader of Worcester City Council, said: "The proposed Kepax Bridge would be a significant addition to our city, providing a real incentive for residents and visitors to walk and cycle more, and I am pleased that the Government is backing this great initiative.
"The bridge would create a new East-West route across the City, reduce levels of congestion and improve both safety and air quality. It would also provide people with new ways of exploring and enjoying Worcester's greatest natural asset, the River Severn."
The City Council, in partnership with Worcestershire County Council, has recently conducted a public consultation on the proposals for the bridge, ahead of a formal planning application being prepared.
The proposed scheme would give the opportunity for people to walk and cycle much more quickly between the Henwick Park area (and destinations further afield like Hallow and Broadheath) on Worcester's west side and Barbourne and Claines in the east. In addition, improvements to the existing walking and cycling network would connect residents and visitors to the National Cycle Network.
The Government's Getting Building Fund is also set to support a number of other initiatives in Worcester, including the University of Worcester's sport and wellness centre, the regeneration of Shrub Hill Station and the provision of superfast full fibre broadband in the city.
