THE Leith community has the chance to help design a replacement for the Lindsay Road Bridge, also known as Pride Bridge.
The landmark was a popular walking, wheeling, and cycling route over Hawthornvale Path and in 2021 was painted in rainbow colours, leading to it being named locally as the ‘Rainbow’ or ‘Pride’ Bridge.
In December 2021 the bridge, which is at the end of its lifespan, was closed due to concerns around health and safety, sparking a local ‘Save the Pride Bridge’ campaign. Council officers have since made a successful application for Transport Scotland funding through Sustrans for the design of a replacement bridge deck, with £232,700 awarded.
Mott MacDonald has been appointed to design the structure and, along with the council, is looking to work with the local community to develop proposed designs. Two information sessions and an online consultation are planned.
Councillor Scott Arthur, transport and environment convener at The City of Edinburgh Council, said, “The Pride Bridge has been such a well-loved landmark and thoroughfare for the local community, it’s only right that we involve them to develop a replacement. I was delighted last year when we secured funding to design a new bridge deck, which would once again provide a safe and convenient walking and cycling route between North Fort Street and Newhaven area. The strength of feeling amongst local people for this bridge, and its celebration of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender pride, has been inspiring. I’d like to thank those who campaigned to protect it.”
Kasper Schwartz, grant advisor for Sustrans, added, “We’re excited to see how designs for the new Pride Bridge come together over the next year, and are immensely grateful to the local community for their enthusiasm in seeing this vital active travel connection reinstated for North Edinburgh.”
Róisín Thérèse, who leads the Save the Pride Bridge campaign, commented, “We are excited to participate in the public consultations to reimagine this space and secure it as a valuable community asset for years to come.”
This process is expected to last a year and, once complete, officers intend to apply to Sustrans for between 70 and 100% of the construction funding required to build the bridge.
Lindsay Road Bridge information sessions will take place at the following locations and times: Thursday 7 March, 6pm – 8pm: Dreadnought Leith, 72 North Fort Street; and Saturday 23 March, 11am – 1pm: The Heart of Newhaven Community, 4-6 Main Street
The online consultation will close on 4 April.
