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First picture of stunning new bridge
A stunning new bridge is set to be built in one of Lancashire's most picturesque areas.
Picked from seven shortlisted designs, the impressive bridge will span the River Douglas at the site of the old railway bridge between Hesketh Bank and Much Hoole.
It could cost as much as 3m.
The winning design, chosen out of hundreds submitted from around the world, is by London-based JDA Architects with consultants Arup.
Lancashire County Council must now find funding to make the design a reality.
County Hall chiefs say the bridge will provide a link for people wanting to travel and explore West Lancashire and South Ribble and will also be a focal point for access to the Ribble Coast and Wetlands Regional Park and the proposed River Douglas Linear Park.
South Ribble mayor Barrie Yates said: "This will open up the footways and cycleways, and lots more people will be able to get out and see the countryside."
Cezary Bednarski, RIBA architectural advisor for the competition, said the bridge combined "innovation" and "elegance" and "should become a high quality landmark."
The winning design was chosen by South Ribble and West Lancashire residents in a consultation on the scheme run by the REMADE in Lancashire land reclamation programme.
They commissioned the Royal Institute of British Architects to run a competition to design the structure.
REMADE, the North West Development Agency (NWDA), Ribble Coast and Wetlands Regional Park steering group and West Lancashire and South Ribble Councils will also now be involved in moving funding for the scheme forward.
The original Preston-Southport railway bridge was demolished in the 1960s.
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Weather for Preston
Tuesday 07 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: -6 C to 4 C
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Wind direction: South east
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