Clifton Suspension Bridge visitor centre plans approved

Clifton Suspension Bridge was opened almost 150 years ago

Plans for a new heritage centre at Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol have been approved.

The centre will replace a temporary building which has been operating as an exhibition centre and shop at the Brunel-designed structure.

North Somerset Council agreed to the proposal at a meeting on Thursday.

A spokesman for the bridge's trust said they would now have to wait until November to find out if they will get funding for the project.

Bridge master, Dave Anderson, said: "We're pleased with the decision.

"It means that we will be able to go ahead with the project subject to getting funding we're looking for from the Heritage Lottery Fund."

Isambard Kingdom Brunel designed the famous bridge which was completed in 1864.

It is hoped the centre will be open by December 2014 - the 150th anniversary of the opening of the bridge.