Work has finally begun on restoring Newport's historic Transporter Bridge after years of delays and cost increases. Plans to transform the 100-year-old bridge - one of only two operational transporter bridges in the UK - were due to begin last year after it was closed to the public but were dealt a significant blow when contractors Cleveland Bridge UK entered administration in July 2021.
The plans, which include major repairs as well as a brand new visitor centre, have been hit with delays and cost increases and Newport City Council confirmed earlier this year that a second contractor had entered administration, forcing it to re-tender the contracts for the project.
A council report at the time confirmed the costs had risen from £11.9m to £16.9m, which it blamed on worsening market conditions due to Brexit and the pandemic. The issues also forced the council to underwrite a shortfall of £3m after the National Lottery Heritage Fund sympathetically agreed to increase its contribution to £10.7m.
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But the council has now confirmed it has appointed two new contractors - John Perkins Construction and VolkerLaser - for the visitor centre and the restoration work respectively, with work now finally set to begin. No revised date for the reopening of the bridge has been confirmed but it is understood it will not reopen in spring 2023 as previously planned.
Funding is being provided by Newport City Council, which is leading the project, as well as by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Welsh Government and the Wolfson Foundation. The Friends of Newport Transporter Bridge are also fundraising for the project and presented a £20,000 donation to council leader Jane Mudd at a sod-cutting ceremony held at the bridge on Tuesday, August 3.
Ms Mudd said on Tuesday: “I was delighted to welcome colleagues and visitors to our celebration of the project and of our fabulous Transporter Bridge this morning. The bridge is a physical gateway to Newport’s industrial past, evoking memories and a sense of nostalgia for local people. It is our city’s icon, the cornerstone of our heritage offer, and we take great pride in having such a rare landmark on our doorstep."
“Transforming the site into a major tourist attraction will bring cultural and economic benefits to the city. It will enable us to showcase the bridge to a much larger audience, and ensure future generations will be able to enjoy this unique structure in the same way previous generations have.”
Andrew White, Director of the National Lottery Heritage Fund in Wales, said: "We’re proud that this is one of our largest ever investments in Wales. The Newport Transporter Bridge Transformation will help sustain jobs, support economic growth, drive tourism and galvanise that strong sense of pride Newport has in its unique heritage. It not only preserves a bridge from our past it creates a bridge to today’s communities and provides a bridge to future generations.”
Welsh Government deputy minister for arts and sport and chief whip Dawn Bowden said: "The transporter bridge is an icon of Newport and a significant part of Wales’ industrial heritage. The Welsh Government is committed to safeguarding this heritage for future generations. I am delighted that thanks to our support, that work has now started and that this iconic site will be renewed as one of Wales’ major heritage sites for years to come.”
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