Calls to rethink bridge after contractor pulls out

There have been calls to reconsider building a £14m bridge after a contractor withdrew from the project.

The Oxpens River Bridge would link Grandpont Nature Park to Oxpens Meadow in Oxford as part of a project to regenerate the western side of the city.

Oxford City Council granted the bridge planning permission last year and stated that Balfour Beatty would construct it.

Lois Muddiman, Green councillor for Osney & St Thomas, said the funding should be used instead on infrastructure for affordable homes.

Construction was expected to begin in early 2026, with the bridge being craned into position in September.

The council said it still intended to deliver it as planned, and that the contract was currently out to tender.

The project faces a £3.7m funding gap, which it said was due to delays caused by a legal challenge after Friends of Grandpont Nature Park tried to overturn the decision through a judicial review.

Campaigners say the bridge will result in the destruction of a cherished woodland, and that the existing Gasworks Rail Bridge is sufficient.

Balfour Beatty subcontracted a separate company, Briton, for the design, which means it owns the copyright over the designs and how much steel is needed.

Ms Muddiman said: "Balfour Beatty did all the preparatory work for this project and now they've suddenly decided to withdraw. Why?

"The council hasn't provided any explanation.

"Furthermore, the council are planning to risk hundreds of thousands of pounds to buy the steel directly, without a contractor in place to do the work and without all the necessary funds yet secured to complete the bridge.

"It's time for the council to reconsider the Oxpens Bridge."

A spokesperson for Hands Off Grandpont Nature Park said it was "time to end this extortionate white elephant project once and for all."

But Alex Hollingsworth, cabinet member for planning and culture, said the bridge would "provide an attractive walking and cycling route enhancing connectivity between the south and west of the city and the city centre".

Susanna Pressel, a Labour councillor who represents Osney & St Thomas, said: "It's so unfortunate that work has been delayed because a small number of objectors are trying to convince people that Grandpont Nature Reserve will be destroyed by the bridge.

"In fact, only a small corner of the nature reserve will be affected at all.

"As soon as the building work is finished, this small area will be replanted with native trees, shrubs, and bulbs, so that it looks better than ever."

The initial £10.3m funding for the bridge came from the Oxfordshire Housing and Growth Deal and Homes England.

For the time being, funding will be taken from several city council budgets where there are surplus funds available.

Balfour Beatty has not responded to requests for comment.

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