Council set to continue support for Slip Bridge group

Swansea Council is set to continue working with supporters of the city’s Slip Bridge to help them in their wish to bring new life to the structure.

The council maintains a capital sum of £139,000 to help facilitate future plans from the Friends of Swansea Slip Bridge.

This could include supporting specialist design work commissioned by the Friends. Other funding would be needed to deliver the scheme.

Council leader Rob Stewart said: “We’re supportive of the group’s wish to reinstate the bridge and understand their view that it’s important to Swansea’s heritage.”

“We’ve supported them in recent years as a source of guidance and we’ll support them actively as they work through initial phases of their plan and look for external funding.”

“The city’s heritage is important to us as can be seen with our work with others to regenerate locations such as the Hafod-Morfa Copperworks, the Palace Theatre building and the Albert Hall.”

The Slip Bridge was built in 1915 when trains – and later trams – ran along the Oystermouth Road seafront. It helped people safely visit the beach.

However, in 1960 the former South Wales Transport Company closed the railway so there was less need for the bridge.

Its arch-shaped span was relocated in 2005 following concerns for its condition.

The span remains a prominent feature nearby as part of the popular seafront cycle route.

Its original stone abutments remain and nearby lights-controlled crossings allow pedestrians and cyclists to cross the road safely.

The Friends of Swansea Slip Bridge plan includes a replica span in low-maintenance steel, a cafe and new sports facilities for beach visitors.

(Lead image: Friends of Swansea Slip Bridge)