Revised plans for Forth Bridge visitors centre are drawn up by Network Rail
A PLANNING application by Network Rail for revised proposals to install a bridge walk and visitor hub at the Forth Bridge has been submitted to City of Edinburgh Council.
The refreshed proposals include a single-storey reception hub to the east of the bridge, sympathetically positioned in the landscape and offering stunning views of the iconic heritage structure while minimising the impact on the surrounding environment.
The submission of the full planning application follows a public engagement exercise held last autumn to gather feedback from residents, which helped to inform the final designs.
The proposal would see the construction of a bridge walk and reception hub on the South Queensferry side of the UNESCO World Heritage site, used for preparing visitors heading out on the bridge walk and providing an access point to the structure.
Groups of between 12 and 15 people will be equipped with safety harnesses before being led out onto the bridge’s south cantilever, climbing to a viewing point at the top using walkways built into the structure.
Alan Ross, Network Rail Scotland’s director of engineering and asset management, said: “We have worked very hard over the past year to draw up revised proposals, making them more affordable and more sympathetic to the surrounding environment without compromising the appeal of this project.
“The plans we have submitted to deliver a bridge walk experience will offer the public a unique chance to explore this world-famous structure and create another exciting tourist attraction for Scotland.”