Restoration of historic footbridge to complete Anchor Mill Regeneration

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An exciting project to restore the historic footbridge adjacent to the Domestic Finishing Mill at Anchor Mill, Paisley, took a major step forward yesterday (Tuesday 25 July) as the bridge was removed for restoration.

The former Anchor Mill Threadworks has been subject to comprehensive regeneration in recent years and business, retail and residential uses have now been established at the site. Most recently, the development of a Morrisons food store and the award winning £12 million restoration of the Category A listed Domestic Finishing Mill for residential and business uses have been important elements in the regeneration strategy for the area.

The final piece of the jigsaw involves the restoration of the 30ft footbridge to the south east of the Domestic Finishing Mill. The Category B listed bridge (circa 1880), currently in a state of disrepair, has a very close historical, visual and functional relationship with the Finishing Mill and is of great importance in completing the regeneration of the former Anchor Mill complex.

The Prince’s Regeneration Trust, a key partner in the restoration of the Finishing Mill, are now leading proposals for the restoration of the footbridge in partnership with Renfrewshire Council, Wm Morrisons Plc and Historic Scotland. The project will refurbish the bridge to current technical standards, lift the structure by around 1 metre to meet flood prevention requirements and move the bridge a short distance east of its present location to minimise disturbance to residents of the Mill.

The restoration of the footbridge will cost around £560,000 and will be funded on a partnership basis. The main financial contributors to the project are Wm Morrisons Plc, Historic Scotland and The Prince of Wales Regeneration Trust, with Renfrewshire Council providing additional finance.

The bridge was removed in a tense operation yesterday as it was hoisted out of its position over the River Cart ready to be taken away for restoration. Heritage Engineering Ltd in Shettleston will be undertaking the restoration of the bridge, which is anticipated to be completed by 14 November.

Councillor John Hood, Depute Convenor of Renfrewshire Council’s Planning and Development Policy Board said: “I’m delighted that the footbridge is now being restored. It was always our intention that the footbridge would be restored to its former glory but funding wasn’t available at the time the Mill was restored. The Prince’s Regeneration Trust are to be commended for putting together a funding package that has now made the restoration of this important local landmark possible.”



Press Release: Wednesday 26 July 2006