Footbridge to close for flood defence work

The Cathedral Green footbridge closed on Tuesday in order for flood defence work to start

A footbridge over the River Derwent in Derby will close as part of a programme of work to build new flood defences.

The bridge - which connects Cathedral Green and Stuart Street - will be inaccessible to pedestrians from Tuesday as part of the city council's £35m Our City, Our River scheme, which includes work to demolish office blocks along the river.

The work also includes a new flood wall, floodgates and a riverside green area that will provide a "controlled corridor" for flood water to pass through the city.

The city council said the bridge would stay closed until "winter 2026".

The River Derwent burst its banks following heavy rainfall from Storm Babet in 2023

The council said several office buildings in Stuart Street and Phoenix Street would be demolished to make way for the green space and the new flood wall, with work set to start on Peat House in mid-August.

Piling work will also be carried out near the swing bridge during this phase of construction.

Councillor Carmel Swan, cabinet member for climate change, transport and sustainability, said the work would protect more than 2,000 properties in Derby.

"This next stage will deliver greater flood protection to areas of the city that were badly affected by Storm Babet in 2023, when the river reached its highest level since records began 90 years ago," she said.

"As with all major construction works, there will be disruption, and we're working with our contractor to keep this to a minimum and ensure the works proceed safely and as quickly as possible.

"This means we have to take the swing bridge off river for the safety of the public while they are in progress."