Footbridge work to link town with £18.7m project

Construction work has started on a footbridge in Shrewsbury town centre as part of preparations for a £18.7m riverside public space project.

The work on Frankwell footbridge is being carried out ahead of the construction of a new landing and stairway linking the crossing to the Riverside Gardens scheme.

The work is taking place on the Smithfield Road side of the bridge, close to the sloping ramp down to street level.

Shropshire Council said the programme started on Friday and would last for five weekends.

They warned nearby residents and businesses that there could be noise while work took place between 08:00 and 17:30 BST.

Riverside Gardens forms the first phase of the authority's plans to strengthen links between Shrewsbury town centre and the River Severn.

The new park is being built on the former Riverside shopping centre site and is expected to open in late autumn 2026.

When complete, it will feature landscaped green space, family activity areas and a dedicated events and performance area.

The bridge works are being carried out by a subcontractor working for Morgan Sindall, the company constructing Riverside Gardens.

When complete, the new park will feature green landscaping, play facilities and an events area, with council leaders saying it will create a more attractive connection between the town centre and the river.

The council thanked bridge users, residents and businesses for their understanding while the work took place and apologised for any disruption.

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