Historic Horseshoe Bridge to be Cleaned and Refurbished

READING’S historic Horseshoe Bridge is set for cleaning and refurbishment after the Council lobbied Network Rail to take action.

The historic listed structure – which dates back to 1892 and is attached to Brunel’s adjoining brick railway bridge, which opened in 1839 – will have graffiti carefully cleaned off and be completely repainted in heritage appropriate colours. The first phase of works, painting the bridge and graffiti removal, is set to begin over the coming weeks.

For Network Rail’s second phase of work later this year, it proposes to remove the bridge’s wood panels and replace them with an open mesh wiring to improve visibility lines and increase safety for bridge users. This will also allow the bridge to be returned as closely as possible to the original design and pedestrians will be able to gain a better appreciation for the attractive 'cross-bar' construction of the bridge and the historic brick railway bridge behind it.

Longer term, the Council and Network Rail intend to work with the local community to explore the possibility of a 'community mural' created by local artists on the historic brick bridge, with materials funded by Network Rail.

A community plaque, which was attached to the bridge in the mid-1990’s to mark the defeat of Berkshire County Council’s controversial ‘Cross Town Route’ plans, will be taken into safe storage by the Council while the work takes place. The Council will then consult with the local community on the refitting of the plaque to the bridge at the appropriate time.

In order for the works to take place, Network Rail will need to apply to the Council for a temporary closure of the Horseshoe Bridge. The Council has been assured any closures will be kept to a minimum and awaits further details. Any diversion route is likely to be over the bridge to Kennet Walk and through the nearby Napier Road tunnel, which was re-opened by the Council in 2015.

Listed building consent will also be required from the Council’s planning department for the second phase of works to replace the wooden panels with the open wire mesh, and for the community mural.

Tony Page, the Council’s Lead Councillor for Strategic Environment, Planning and Transport, approached Network Rail at the end of last year about the unsightly condition of the bridge. Network Rail has moved swiftly and two subsequent site meetings took place in January.

Councillor Page said:

“The refurbishment of Reading’s Horseshoe Bridge is long overdue and I would like to publicly thank Network Rail for its swift response to my representations.

“The Horseshoe Bridge is very well used by the local community, particularly those walking to and from Newtown to the local supermarket and into town, but is now almost completely covered in unsightly graffiti and tags, and the paintwork is flaking and in need of a refresh. Sight lines are also poor as pedestrians cannot see around the corners as they approach the down ramps of the bridge.

“All graffiti will be removed and the bridge will be repainted as part of the first phase of works, which will immediately improve the feeling of safety for users. Replacing the wooden panels with wire mesh will improve sightlines immeasurably and will mean the historic adjoining brick railway bridge will be visible from the ground rather than screened off.

“We are committed to consulting with the local community on the possibility of a distinctive mural on the brick bridge and the refitting of the local plaque, which will be temporarily put into safe keeping before being refitted. When complete, this work will transform the view of the Horseshoe Bridge and benefit the local community for many years to come.”

Karen Rowland, Reading’s Lead Councillor for Culture, Heritage and Recreation, has been involved in discussions with Network Rail about the design of materials and colours on the refurbished bridge.

Cllr Rowland said:

“The repainting of the Horseshoe Bridge in heritage appropriate colours that are also appropriate to the landscape setting will serve to uplift the site instantly for the short term. Ultimately, the replacement of the wooden panels will allow views of the historic brick bridge for the first time in many decades and will allow the original open-work cross-bar design of the bridge to be better appreciated. Finally, I am hugely excited about working with the local community on the possibility of a community mural on the brick bridge, once these works are complete.

“Reading’s Horseshoe Bridge is a key walking route for residents in Newtown. It has stood in situ for 130 years and as a listed heritage site in an important historical landscape for Reading, it deserves to be restored it to its former glory. I’d like to thank our partners at Network Rail for their enthusiasm for what promises to be a wonderful community project.”