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Restoration of historic footbridge to complete Anchor Mill regeneration
Home > News and Events > News - release archive > 2006 > June
An exciting project to restore the historic footbridge adjacent to the Domestic Finishing Mill at Anchor Mill, Paisley has been launched. The former Anchor Mill threadworks has been subject to comprehensive regeneration in recent years and business, retail and residential uses have now been established at the site.
Most recently, the development of a Morrisons foodstore and the award winning £12 million restoration of the Category A listed Domestic Finishing Mill for residential and businesses uses has all but completed the regeneration strategy for the area.
The final piece of the jigsaw involves the restoration of the footbridge to the south east of the Domestic Finishing Mill. The Category B listed bridge, currently in a state of disrepair, has a very close historical, visual and functional relationship with the Finishing Mill and is of great importance in completing the regeneration of the former Anchor Mill complex.
The Prince’s Regeneration Trust, a key partner in the restoration of the Finishing Mill, are now leading proposals for the restoration of the footbridge in partnership with Wm. Morrisons plc, Renfrewshire Council and Historic Scotland. The project will refurbish the bridge to current technical standards, lift the structure by around one metre to meet flood prevention requirements and move the bridge a short distance east of its present location to minimise disturbance to residents of the Mill.
The restoration of the footbridge is estimated to cost £560,000 and will be funded on a partnership basis. The main financial contributors to the project are Wm Morrisons Plc, Historic Scotland and The Prince of Wales Regeneration Trust, with Renfrewshire Council providing additional finance. Works to refurbish the bridge will be undertaken by Heritage Engineering Ltd and will commence on site in June. The project, which involves the bridge being transported off site for restoration, is anticipated to be complete by 14 November.
Councillor Jackie Green, Convenor of Renfrewshire Council’s Planning and Development Policy Board said:
"I’m delighted that the footbridge is to be restored. It was always our intention that the footbridge would be restored to its former glory but funding wasn’t available at the time the Mill was restored. The Prince’s Regeneration Trust are to be commended for putting together a funding package that has now made the restoration of this important local landmark possible"
Jill Channer, director of the Prince’s Regeneration Trust said:
"This is the finishing touch to this wonderful partnership which has been collaborating for several years to rescue and regenerate these significant structures for the people of Paisley to enjoy".
Morrisons Plc reported, 'Morrisons are delighted to be able to contribute to the restoration of the footbridge. Anchor Mill has proved an exceptional home for one of our newest Scottish stores and we are more than happy to help out in this important final element of the regeneration programme'.
Press Release: Wednesday 7 June 2006
