Publication Date: 04-11-2024 09:00
70-tonne bridge lowered into place in ‘landmark moment’ for Harbour Village development in Northfleet
A new footbridge has been installed at Bellway London’s Harbour Village development in Northfleet, which will link the new homes to a new park across a steep escarpment.
The 40-metre bridge was lifted into place using a 250-tonne crane as part of the homebuilder’s latest phase of work at the development and will provide access to Bevan’s Park – a six-acre area of open space which is being created to the east of the new neighbourhood.
The unique clifftop landscape of the park means a footbridge is needed so that residents will be able to walk there directly from their homes.
Bellway London Construction Director, John Haggerstone, said: “This is a landmark moment in every sense of the word.
“Installing the bridge was a great feat of skill, engineering, precision and experience on the part of all involved and now this massive structure is safely in place. I’d like to congratulate everyone involved on a job well done.
“The bridge is not yet open for use, but in time, residents at Harbour Village will be using this footbridge to make the most of Bevan’s Park for walks, sport, exercise and generally getting out into the great outdoors. The bridge itself also offers a fantastic viewpoint.
“Not only that but it will be a key route for anyone going to Factory Road, Lawn Primary School and the High Street. So, putting this bridge in place is a significant milestone on our journey towards the delivery of this new neighbourhood.”
The steel bridge arrived on site in two parts from the manufacturer and installer CTS Bridges early last month and was placed at the bottom of the escarpment. It was then welded together, and that work checked and certified before being primed ready for being lifted into place.
On Saturday 21 September, the 70-tonne structure was raised from the ground and lowered precisely into position in a millimetre-perfect operation.
Though the footbridge installation is complete, it is not expected to be open for use until September next year because work is not yet complete on the park, so access is not possible for safety reasons.
Bevan’s Park will feature a heritage park celebrating the industrial history of the site. The park is named after Thomas Bevan, who was one of the founding partners of the cement works in 1854.
The park has also been planned to feature a walking route, a sports pitch, areas of open space, a wildlife corridor and a fitness trail.
Bellway London is building more than 500 homes at Harbour Village off College Road. It is part of the larger Ebbsfleet Garden City project, which will eventually create around 15,000 new homes.
There’s currently a choice of two-bedroom coach houses and two, three and four-bedroom houses available to reserve at Harbour Village, with prices starting from £349,000.
To find out more about the development, visit https://www.bellwaylondon.co.uk/new-homes/thames-gateway/harbour-village or call the sales team on 01474 444233.
