Scaffolding is now in place for drainage improvements and abutment cleaning by the City Council. The outflow from the Bridge’s existing drainage channels will be improved by installing downpipes on the faces of the abutments and ducting the water across the pavements to the street gutters. This should stop water running down the abutments, corroding the ends of the arch beams and turning the walls green. The abutments will be cleaned by a water jetting process. This is not part of the full restoration that we are working towards, but it will minimise deterioration in the meantime and make the scene under the Bridge a lot less dank and dismal.
Posts published in May 2018
Here are some of our current priorities, as discussed at the meeting of trustees and key volunteers on Monday 23rd April 2018:
- We are preparing to speak to the Derby Renaissance Board about our plans to restore the Bridge and the potential for local regeneration that goes along with it. The Renaissance Board includes representatives of the City Council, local businesses, the University and the voluntary sector.
- We are waiting with interest to see how plans for the Friar Gate Goods Yard site develop, because they are likely to influence the way the Bridge is developed and interfaces with adjoining sites. Lathams architects are carrying out an options study for us, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund; completion of this is on hold until the picture for the Goods Yard becomes clearer.
- We are making preparations to ensure that we comply with the new General Data Protection Regulations.
- We are in need of additional trustees with a range of professional skills, and of additional volunteers. Our governance consultant (funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund) has given us some guidance on how to go about recruiting trustees; converting this advice into a practical plan is a priority for us.
If you are interested in taking a pro-active role with Friends of Friargate Bridge then do please feel free to contact us at friends@friargatebridge.co.uk