Brunel's Other BridgeWhy We Oppose Moving Brunel's Swivel Bridge to the Albion Dockyard
The SS Great Britain Trust plans to restore the Albion Dockyard and build a replica of Brunel's SS Great Western in the south of the Dockyard with additional visitor facilities, and retain a working dockyard at the north end. This is an excellent use for the Dockyard and we support it.
However, the Trust also plans to move Brunel's Swivel Bridge from its present location and install it as a viewing platform at the entrance to the Albion Dockyard.
Their Business Case claims it will rescue the Bridge and it is necessary to increase visitor numbers.
We oppose the move because:
- The Bridge does not need rescuing. As you can see from this website the Bridge is being restored in its correct location and has a bright future as the focus of the Western Harbour development
- There is no evidence that it needs it to be moved to protect it from flooding. This area has flooded several times a year since before the Bridge was built, and the parts subject to flood water are in no worse condition than the rest of the bridge. Corrosion appears to be due to wind-driven rainwater and lack of maintenance
- The claim that it is needed at SSGB to increase visitor numbers is debatable as it will not significantly add to the proposed attractions
- Restoring the Bridge in situ will cost far less than moving it to the Albion Dockyard. Most of the funding for the Albion Dockyard project will come from external sources e.g. National Lottery and WECA so unnecessary additional costs will starve other restoration projects of funding
- The move would be costly and technically risky. There is a danger that the Bridge will be damaged beyond repair
- Features on the Tongue demonstrate technological developments from Jessop's 1809 north entrance lock to the modern 2010 hydraulic lock gate actuators. Visitors can still see a manual capstan, probably installed to close Brunel's caisson lock gate, and interesting mechanisms that used the Underfall Yard Hydraulic power to move a bridge, lock gates, and capstans. The 1965 Plimsoll Bridge still uses its original hydraulic system and electro mechanical controls. Together with the Swivel Bridge these tell an important story
- Brunel's Swivel Bridge would lose this unique context if moved to Albion Dockyard. Evidence of the historic road crossing here would be lost, and there is a danger that Brunel's Lock, now filled with silt, would eventually be abandoned and infilled
- When the restoration work is completed, the Bridge will provide a much-needed low-level crossing over the entrance lock for pedestrians and dismounted cyclists. It will be safe for wheelchairs and pushchairs whereas currently the walkways over the lock gates have steps, and handrails that a toddler can easily climb through
- Finally, restored in situ Brunel's Swivel Bridge will be free to visit, whereas a significant charge will be payable to view it if moved to the Albion Dockyard