Lindsay Road Bridge Regeneration

We wanted to hear your views on design proposals for restoring Lindsay Road Bridge in Newhaven. The bridge has been closed to all users since November 2021 due to its poor condition.

Prior to its closure, the bridge was used as a link for walking, wheeling and cycling between North Fort Street and Lindsay Road. It was also used in recent years as a community space and outdoor seating area. A community-backed project painted the bridge in rainbow colours in August/September 2021, which led to the bridge being referred to locally as the ‘Pride’ or ‘Rainbow’ Bridge.

A project to design a replacement bridge deck and community space has been funded Sustrans Places for Everyone Fund. The design aims to:

• re-establish a direct, safe and segregated active travel route for commuters, local residents and businesses;
• restore a well-used community space; and
• reinstate an important LGBTQ+ landmark.

To ensure the project meets the needs of the community, consultation on the proposals took place between 22 February 2024 and 4 April 2024. People were invited to share their views via an online survey, two public information/drop-in sessions and a Youth Group Meeting hosted by LGBT Youth Scotland. There were also discussions with a range of consultees and stakeholders.

The consultation was advertised via social media, press releases, local advertising and leaflet drops.

There were 910 responses to the online survey, with 179 people attending the information sessions.

• 77% of the survey respondents felt that they would likely walk or wheel more short journeys due to the proposals.
• There was a positive response to the plans to restore an accessible active travel route, create an improved public realm and maintain the LGBTQ+ artwork and symbolism.
• The bridge continuing to be used as a community space was strongly supported. The online survey highlighted that environmental features (72.97%) and meeting spaces with seating and planting (70.66%) would be valued.
• There were requests for artwork or interpretation boards related to the bridge’s history or LGBTQ+ theme, which could enhance the bridge's aesthetics and functionality. History plaques documenting the history of the bridge were also a popular feature highted by the online survey (73.19%).
• A preferred parapet design option was chosen by respondents to the online survey.
• Concerns of the impact of the pride/rainbow surfacing on users who are neurodivergent or have neurodegenerative conditions were raised. It was also noted that the colour scheme does not match the order of the Progress Pride flag.
• Concerns were raised about the potential tree losses and impact on green spaces due to the project.
• There were also concerns about relocating the sports court to accommodate the amphitheatre/stepped access.
• Lighting was highlighted as an important feature to be included in the design.

Based on the feedback received, we have revised the design proposals. The main changes are:

• Proposed changes to ‘Pride’ surfacing including the corrected colour order.
• Reduced sized amphitheatre/steps, which will reduce its impact on greenspace and avoid the need to relocate the sports courts, while still providing an enlarged community space/seating area.
• A ramp access will not be progressed, which would have had a significant impact on greenspace and result in the loss of several trees.
• Existing ramped accesses can still be utilised.
• The chosen parapet design from the online survey will be used.
• Lighting will be provided.
• Any tree losses will be minimised. Additional planting and environment features such as bird/bat boxes will be included in the design.

The next steps are:

• Complete design of proposals.
• Further consultation with the community, accessibility organisations and specialist agencies to ensure the ‘Pride’ surfacing is aesthetically pleasing and inclusive.
• Further consultation with the community to create interpretation boards, which was a key outcome from this engagement.
• Apply for planning permission for the design.
• Apply to Transport Scotland for construction funding (Expected 2025).