Ash Road Bridge project team invites residents to name the new bridge
Recently, residences of Ash in Guilford were invited to select a name for our new bridge at Ash Road, currently in construction. A diverse panel of judges came together to pick the name out of over four hundred entries.
To pick a winning name, we invited a diverse panel of judges including, the head boy and head girl from a local school, a former local councillor, a local historian, a school governor and a Scout leader with lifelong involvement in the Ash community.
Chioma Fanawopo, stakeholder and social value manager on the project, said "This competition was not just about naming a bridge; it was about building a lasting legacy that the next generation can proudly be a part of. What a delight it is to know that once the bridge is completed, it will carry a name rooted in community spirit, history, and the vision of our youth".
The winning name was chosen as Chester Bridge as it was situated near the station and named after the Chester family who lived nearby in Poyle Park.
Tom Hunt lead councillor for Regeneration said, “I’d like to thank the judges for their time and invaluable local knowledge. It was also great that we’ve had this opportunity to give our residents a voice”.
At Ash Road in Surrey, VolkerFitzpatrick has been appointed to design and build a much-needed highway crossing over a rail line on behalf of Guildford Borough Council. The new bridge will reduce congestion in the area and unlock housing development outlined in the local plan. The scheme has therefore been able to benefit from a substantial Housing Infrastructure Fund grant secured from the government.
Phase 4 started on the 2nd of September, which involves installation of traffic calming measures on Grange Road. With low voltage cable installation to be completed this month and completing the land drainage culvert wingwalls on the north side.
Ash Road Bridge project team have been very involved in the local community and recently donated £15,000 to support Ash Youth Club to help fund a youth worker for a year meaning the youth club can re-open. The team have also allowed residents to watch the installation of the bridge beams, invited local youth groups to find out more about the project on site and were a part of Build UK's Open Doors initiative. The Open Doors initiative welcomed over 100 school, college and university students to several developments across the VolkerFitzpatrick business.
“We had a really interesting morning at our site office discussing the names that were suggested. I was delighted to meet the panel of judges, who had a wealth of knowledge about Ash and its history.”
Colin Bexley Project Manager
