Friends of Bennerley Viaduct need community's help to complete access project
The Friends of Bennerley Viaduct (FoBV) group is appealing for the community’s help to complete the final chapter of the big access project at the site.
Planning Permission was granted for the construction of the River Erewash footbridge in January and now the FoBV have launched a second pledge on their Crowdfunder page to get the funds in to turn planning permission into a finished project.
On their Facebook page, the FoBV said: “We are looking to secure funding to create a new crossing over the River Erewash.
"The funds will pay for materials that will help to secure the river bank that the bridge will cross.
“As some of you may be aware we began this fundraiser last year, we are extremely generous with our communities' support and we have since reached £20,000-plus of the total £50,000 needed.
"We now need to raise a further £10,000 to reach match funding in a National Lottery Heritage Fund bid that we are currently composing.
“The proposed new bridge will restore a popular and well-loved circular route under and over Bennerley Viaduct.
“The recently opened accessible ramp, situated on the eastern side of the monument, has reinstated full access to the top of the viaduct.
“However, due to an unsafe bridge, which was suspended in summer 2024, there is no access to the nature reserve which meanders through the piers of the ‘Iron Giant’.
“This condemned footbridge is set to be removed in the summer but this does not change the fact there is still a disconnect with the access from the Derbyshire side.”
The installing of the new footbridge will include voluntary labour from local businesses, students of University of Kent and FoBV group members.
The 14.6 meter timber and steel footbridge, which has been designed by FoBV trustees and an architect, in partnership with HA-EY Associates will be crafted on-site and then transported into place adjacent to the viaduct.
A bridge previously crafted by the workforce has been successfully implemented in Scotland already.
The FoBV added: “Please give generously, every penny counts.”
To donate to the project, visit crowdfunder.co.uk/p/new-footbridge-next-to-bennerley-viaduct-second-pledge?fbclid=
You can also explore ways to donate directly via the FoBV website at bennerleyviaduct.org.uk/support-our-charity/