I learn that the footbridge is thought to have been built sometime between 1872 and 1892. According to the council, it is in need of repair or replacement. They hope that the developer of Gorsey Bank site (shown in the background of Allen's photo) will pay for a new bridge.
Foundations of Cheshire Mill. This will
be preserved as an alignment
for Metrolink, but, until then, it will be
a car park to compensate
for the poor PT links.
Photo by A G 1.
the notorious Gorsey Bank housing estate;
as well as Cheshire Mill; and
Gorsey Bank Cotton Mill.
It also implies the demolition of Brinksway House, currently a window blind showroom amongst other functions, but is described as of no particular interest of merit. I think that is a bit harsh.The site also includes the playground associated with the Pavilion. So, while that will be lost, it must be compensated for by an equivalent area of open land in the development, and the developer must invest in improved facilities for the disused bowling green in Gorsey Bank Park, which is outside the development.
The brief states that the development should be attractive and might include an iconic building (like the Pyramid is an iconic building for the Brinksway development) because it will be visible from the M60 and the Trans Pennine Trail.
There will be an 'informal recreation area' on the south bank of the Mersey (it already is for the local youths).
In the unlikely eventuality of Metrolink being built to Didsbury and then extended to Stockport, the last stop prior to Stockport bus station will be at this bridge. Which, as the brief admits, means that until that time public transport links will be poor.
The site includes a number of mature trees, but the brief notes that none of them have preservation orders.
