Save the Bowstring Bridge (Campaign Closed) - Campaign by Leicester Civic Society

Campaign: Save the Bowstring Bridge (Campaign Closed)

The 'Bowstring Bridge' viaduct at the junction of Western Boulevard and Braunstone Gate has been a Leicester landmark since the 1890s and is now under imminent threat of demolition.

De Montfort University now own the nearby Pump & Tap public house and the land surrounding the bridge and are seeking to build a new swimming pool there. Various reports have suggested that the bridge is in danger of collapse yet years of delays to the demolition and the fact that the road underneath is still in use suggest otherwise. It has carried 1000 ton trains for over 100 years!

The bridge itself is primarily above the road and does not substantially occupy development land. We believe a solution can be found whereby DMU get to build the much-needed city centre swimming pool whilst retaining this unique remnant of the Great Central Railway.

DMU have made some important contributions to the regeneration of Leicester and we believe this is an opportunity for them to go the extra mile and prove they care about Leicester heritage. The bridge itself would make a fantastic centrepiece to any new development.

We therefore call upon De Montfort University and Leicester City Council to retain and reuse the bridge. Please sign our online petition below.

UPDATE: Click here to download the city council's April 05 bridge inspection report (4Mb)

Construction of the bridge in 1897:-