The Design and Build contract for a 3m landmark pedestrian bridge over the River Aire in Castleford, Yorkshire has been awarded by Wakefield Council to main contractor Costain and design consultant Tony Gee and Partners.

The 131m long, 4m wide footbridge will be the catalyst for further regeneration of the Castleford Bay area, which is to be the subject of a Channel 4 documentary series, "The Castleford Project". 

Architects McDowell + Benedetti proposed a simple, elegant structure with 'S' shaped curves which follow the contours of the existing weir, restoring vitality to the waterfront and creating a new public space for visitors and locals.

The continuous steel thin box section deck is to be supported on three sets of striking 'V' shaped steel piers.  The slender deck incorporates seating within the depth of the structure, and the bridge will have a hardwood timber finish. Concealed lighting within the handrails and spotlighting will enhance visual impact, enabling the bridge to be the pinnacle of the regeneration that it represents. 

The detailed design stage is currently underway with construction work scheduled to begin in April.  The new bridge expected to be complete and in use by the end of this year.