Innovative wartime engineering inspires contemporary bridge for £46m cinema and leisure development

THIS is the 46-metre bridge which will link Forge Island with Corporation Street — inspired by the world-famous design of Sir Donald Bailey.

The Eastwood-born engineer’s portable steel truss crossings helped the Allied forces cross the Rhine — shortening the Second World War.

Now a bridge based on Sir Donald’s innovations will provide a vital pedestrian link onto the £46 million cinema and leisure development at Forge Island.

The Bailey replica is currently being constructed in North Yorkshire and will be installed in Rotherham in the summer.

Andrew Fairest, project director at Forge Island developers Muse, said: “It’s fantastic to see the bridge taking shape and see how a contemporary take on the pioneering Bailey Bridge design will create something quite special at Forge Island.

“For Muse, the history of a place is an instrumental part of its story — and informs how we go about creating its next chapter.

“The bridge not only provides a physical link to what will be a much-needed family-friendly offer for Rotherham, but a metaphorical one to the incredible industrial heritage of this town.”

Cllr Denise Lelliott, RMBC cabinet member for jobs and economy, said: “Once in place, the bridge will be the key thoroughfare between the incredible leisure and food facilities on Forge Island and the wider town centre.

“I cannot wait to see this new iconic feature on the Rotherham skyline.”

The lightweight wartime Bailey Bridge could be erected without tools but was strong enough to withstand huge weights, including military vehicles.

It is known as one of the most important engineering and technological advances of the conflict — and the bridges have continued to be used extensively in civil engineering construction projects across the world, often to provide temporary crossings for pedestrian and vehicle traffic.

The replica was designed by FaulknerBrowne Architects and is being fabricated and manufactured by SH Structures, ready to be installed at the RMBC-funded Forge Island development.