THE preferred design for a major new footbridge over Hull's busiest road is expected to be announced in the next few weeks.
But Hull architecture graduate Ashley Forrester has beaten the Highways Agency to the draw by coming up with his own idea for a link across Castle Street in the city centre.
The 25-year-old, who lives in Wellsted Street, west Hull, said the original bridge options released by the Highways Agency earlier this year prompted him to formulate his own design.
Mr Forrester said: "When I saw them. I wasn't particularly impressed. I believe the location really demands a striking design and none of the five options really appealed to me.
"I thought there was scope to come up with something better so I got down to work."
Now working in the construction industry, Mr Forrester relied on his interest in urban design, which formed the basis of his degree course at the University of Nottingham.
"I'm from Hull, so the whole improvement scheme for Castle Street interests me," he said.
"The best option would probably be to sink the whole length of the road but I understand from a financial point of view that is not going to happen."
Mr Forrester said he took inspiration for his scheme from the New York High Line project, which has seen parts of the city's now defunct overhead railway freight line transformed into a series of new-look public spaces.
"In my scheme I've created a public space on the south side of the marina at one end of the bridge, which could be used as viewing area, a picnic spot or an outdoor venue for live music," he said. "It also complies with current Disability Discrimination Act access regulations and would probably be cheaper than the current designs published."
Mr Forrester said he had not approached the agency over his designs.
"I want them to be put out there so people can see them and give some feedback," he said. "I don't expect it to be taken up, but as long as it provokes some debate about the design merits of whichever bridge is eventually chosen, that would be fine by me."
A spokesman for the Highways Agency said the long-awaited development order covering the work on the £160m Castle Street project will be submitted for approval in the autumn.
"A preferred bridge design option will be made public at that time," the spokesman said
A63 project to reshape Hull city centreThe improvement scheme proposed for Castle Street will cover a one-mile stretch of the A63 as it runs through the city centre.
The most noticeable change will be the lowering of the existing main east to west route at the Mytongate junction with Ferensway. The idea is to end the current congestion at the junction by removing all traffic signals and ensuring a smooth run for traffic between Myton Bridge and the Daltry Street flyover at Hessle Road.
The current proposals envisage the road being lowered by about 7m into a cutting, while drivers heading between Ferensway and Commercial Road would pass overhead on a raised road.
Five design options for a large pedestrian footbridge between Princes Dock and the Marina were published by the Highways Agency this year.
The Humber Local Enterprise Partnership has secured £4m of government funding to help pay for the cost of the new bridge.
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