FRIAR GATE BRIDGE

130 years ago when the Great Northern Railway wanted to put a railway route through Friar Gate there was public outrage as this was a very affluent area with many fine Georgian buildings. Because of this, the railway company was forced into having a bridge designed that was highly decorative, the likes of which had not been done before.

The bridge was designed by our local Iron founder Andrew Handyside. When the railway line was closed in the 1960s, the bridge became redundant. The bridge was sold to the Council for £1 on the understanding that it will be maintained in good condition. In the early 1970s the viaduct that carried the former line over Agard Street was pulled down and the end of Friar Gate bridge was sealed off. If you walk down Agard Street to where there is a car park next to LanSport (4-6 Agard Street) you will be able to see the end of the bridge is bricked up.

Even though the bridge serves no purpose other than decoration, it still stands proudly in Friar Gate to this day. You have the Friar Gate Bridge Action Group to thank for this, because in the 1970s the Council were intent on demolishing the bridge. So it was in May 1973 that Friar Gate Bridge Action Group was born.

This group won the support of thousands of people and the end result was the bridge being put on the Listed Buildings registry, the spandrels being completely refurbished, compliments of Mason's Paints, and subsequent cleaning performed. Here we are 34 years later and the lovely bridge is still here but in a very poor state of disrepair.

We owe it to both the original Friar Gate Bridge Action Group for saving the bridge and also to the local residents 130 years ago that demanded the bridge be highly decorated to request that Derby City Council maintain this bridge." (Source: Derby Photos)

Businessman Simon Bucknell says it is "outrageous" that Friar Gate Bridge has been allowed to become an eyesore and has called for action to restore the ornate structure, which is now covered in weeds despite being included in a conservation area. He said he was astonished the bridge had been given so little care, while millions of pounds was being spent on modernising other parts of the city centre.

He said, "It's important that Derby's heritage is kept up-to-date and looked after. The bridge is one of Derby's most important and visually engaging landmarks and has been allowed to become dilapidated. How can Derby City Council justify investment in the future when a major landmark has been completely forgotten about? As Derby grows and becomes a more modern city, it is even more important to conserve the past. This is absolutely shameful."

A city council spokeswoman said, "We are actively trying to get a bid together for some external funding for a refurbishment of the bridge and improvements to the surrounding area." (Source: Derby Evening Telegraph, Nov/07)

Architect Derek Latham has revealed his plans for Friar Gate bridge which includes building fixed railway carriages on the bridge where people can dine. The project would also involve the complete restoration of the bridge. People would access the restaurant through a lobby at one end with a lift from the pavement below. The kitchen would be at the other end, with access from Agard Street. Mr Latham said he hoped his plans would give food for thought to other developers and regeneration companies.

Derby City Council's leader, Councillor Chris Williamson, and transport officers are working on plans to resurrect a transport link between the city centre and Mickleover and Mackworth. He said, "Mr Latham's idea sounds interesting but if it would impede our ambition of the Mick-Mack route, then the restaurant idea could be a non-starter. If it could be accommodated without blocking that route, it might be worth considering." (Source: Derby Evening Telegraph, Jan/08)