Historic footbridge to return to Paisley

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Most recently, the strategy has involved the development of a Morrisons foodstore and the award winning £12 million restoration of the Category A listed domestic finishing mill for residential and businesses uses.

The restoration of the Seedhill footbridge, located to the south east of the finishing mill, is the next piece of the jigsaw in the regeneration of the Anchor Mills complex. The Category B listed bridge, which has a very close historical, visual and functional relationship with the Mill, was unused and had fallen into a state of disrepair.

The bridge was dramatically lifted off site in July and transferred to a specialist workshop for restoration. This work is now complete and the restored bridge is to be transported to Paisley and lifted back into place on Friday, 15 December. The fully restored structure will be transported to the site in one piece and a crane will then lift the bridge into its new position, providing a striking spectacle for residents and visitors. As well as being restored, the bridge will be placed a metre above its previous height to meet flood prevention requirements and relocated a short distance east of its original location to minimise disturbance to residents of the Mill.

Councillor Jackie Green, convener of Renfrewshire council’s planning and development policy board said: “I’m delighted that the footbridge is now restored. The bridge is an important local landmark which has close historical ties to the Anchor Mill and is very important to the town and its people. The restoration of the bridge is the latest step in the wider regeneration strategy for the Anchor Mill complex and the result of tireless work by a strong partnership team. I would like to commend all of the partners involved.”

Jill Channer, director of the Prince of Wales Phoenix Trust said: “How exciting for us to celebrate the festive season and the New Year by giving this iconic footbridge back to the people of Paisley and visitors! You don’t often get a second chance to repeat past successes, and we are hugely grateful to Wm. Morrison Supermarkets, Historic Scotland and Renfrewshire Council for their generosity and support in extending the extraordinary achievement of the public, private and voluntary sector partnership the Trust led to regenerate Anchor Mill to reach its footbridge. It has been a real plus to use the special skills of Heritage Engineering – a local company with an international reputation for rescuing and repairing rare survivals of our unique industrial legacy – and the project has provided training and work opportunities to add extra value.”

Peter Kennedy, general manager at Morrisons Anchor Mill, said: “We like to work closely with the local community and the completion of the footbridge and the regeneration of the Anchor Mill complex is something which we are very proud to be involved in”.

The restoration of the footbridge cost £560,000 and was funded through a partnership led by the Prince of Wales Phoenix Trust, comprising of the Trust, Wm Morrison Supermarkets Plc, Historic Scotland and Renfrewshire Council. Renfrewshire Council and Historic Scotland provided grant funding and the expertise necessary to make sure that the footbridge was restored and brought back into use. Wm Morrison, who are the owners of the bridge, also donated a substantial sum to the Trust, which as a charitable trust amplified the donation through Gift Aid.

Specialist contractors Heritage Engineering Ltd of Glasgow did the restoration work over a period of 5 months. Doug Reid of JFS Architects LLP acted as design team leader.

An official opening for the restored footbridge will take place in the New Year.

Press release: Thursday 14 December 2006