Bootle Bridge
Competition design for a bridge and gateways, Bootle Re-employ what exists. Community involvement from the start. Anchoring with exciting public spaces. The bridge is retained and transformed. Two new public spaces anchor the bridge to the new communities. The bridge is clad with panels cast in metal from local handprints. In each public square stands a symbolic sculpture. The hand symbolises human contact: the essence of public space. Through community workshops casts of local hands are made for the panels that move the bridge on from its industrial origins. Colourful, playful and welcoming, the public spaces are fun, simple and robust. The bridge is kept open during construction providing more funds for the public spaces and community art. This project is an opportunity to leave a legacy: physically by making great public art and architecture, and mentally by stimulating creatvity and innovation in the people of Bootle.
