A Nottingham regeneration site has been unlocked for future development following the completion of a new bridge over the River Trent.

Waterside Bridge forms part of the core infrastructure needed to further open up the 250-acre Waterside Regeneration Zone, transforming former industrial land into a viable development plot.

The walking and cycling route directly links communities either side of the river, from Victoria Embankment to Colwick Park, improving access to homes, leisure, employment and sports sites - including Nottingham Forest and Notts County Football Grounds and Trent Bridge Cricket Ground.

Multi-disciplinary consultancy Pick Everard was appointed to deliver project management, cost management and health and safety services, operating under Perfect Circle and appointed via the SCAPE Consultancy framework.

It worked alongside Nottingham City Council, main contractor Balfour Beatty and other key partners including Ramboll, Britons, the Canal and River Trust, the Environment Agency, Pedals, Blueprint, Geldards, Active Travel England and funder, the Department for Transport.

The bridge was the final project in the council’s £160m Transforming Cities Fund programme, encouraging sustainable travel and inter-city connectivity.

Ricky Lee, associate director of project management at Pick Everard, said: “Delivering a project of this scale requires precise planning, from scoping out the end goal to managing timelines and maintaining quality and budget control.

“Waterside Bridge is an important symbol of progress, connection and stability. As well as bringing communities on either side of the river together, it is a significant indicator of the residential, leisure and commercial growth that lies ahead, supported by sustainable active travel options.”

The 87-metre, 160-tonne Waterside Bridge was fabricated using British steel at Britons Ltd in Hucknall and is the first new bridge to be built over the River Trent since the 1950s.

Kay Slade, managing director of Balfour Beatty’s Regional Civils business, said: “The opening of the new Waterside Bridge marks an important milestone for communities across Nottingham. This impressive piece of infrastructure not only creates a vital new connection for residents and visitors, but will also support more sustainable, active travel across the city.”