Was it really necessary? That’s the question some environmental campaigners asked about the Simpson New Bridge. This new pedestrian and cycle bridge is set to stretch from Oxpens Meadow to Grandpont Nature Park. It will offer a vital link for local people. The Simpson New Bridge will provide quick and safe walking and cycling routes. This will help to reduce congestion in and around Oxford city centre.
The Simpson New Bridge will also form a connection between the Osney Mead and Oxpens developments. Oxford City Council and Nuffield College plan to redevelop Oxpens. Oxford University plans to regenerate Osney Mead. Both projects are set to bring thousands of jobs and new homes to the city.
Oxford councillors approved plans for the Simpson New Bridge in March. This happened despite protests at the council meeting. Environmental campaigners said the Simpson New Bridge would destroy part of Grandpont Nature Park. Preparatory works were undertaken in February 2024. These included pollarding and removal of selected trees ahead of bird-nesting season. A commitment has been given to replant trees in the area to mitigate for the loss.
Sixteen councillors agreed with the campaigners. They wanted the decision reviewed. The council’s planning review committee approved it again in April. The Simpson New Bridge is a requirement of the Oxford Local Plan. It supports the wider regeneration of the West End of the city.
Oxford City Council ran a consultation in summer 2022. It asked what people want from the new Simpson New Bridge. The council had been wanting to build it since 2020. The Simpson New Bridge’s slender design by Knight Architects aims to preserve and enhance the current views of the river and meadow.
Oxfordshire County Council intends to close footpaths near the site from June 3 for construction works. The alternative route will be signed via Grandpont Nature Park. It goes adjacent to Castle Mill Stream, along the footway of the A420, and on the existing footpath adjacent to Oxford Ice Rink.
Funding for the Simpson New Bridge comes from the Oxfordshire Growth Deal. A requirement is that all bridge construction work is completed by March 31 2025. Oxfordshire County Council has submitted the Oxpens River Thames Pedestrian/Cycle Bridge scheme to the Secretary of State for Transport for approval. This is required for any new structure over navigable waterways. If the Secretary of State confirms the scheme, it will progress towards delivery. This is a separate process from the planning application process approved by the city council.
The Simpson New Bridge will improve walking and cycling routes in the city. It will provide a new crossing of the Thames. This will offer an attractive route for people from the west and south to and from the city centre. A public consultation on initial designs took place in person and online in summer 2022. Planning permission was issued on July 8 2024. Works could be undertaken in 2025. Following construction, the Council will replace and plant additional trees. They will maintain the area’s level of tree canopy and biodiversity.
The proposed Simpson New Bridge, designed for pedestrians and cyclists, will provide a direct, convenient and visually pleasing connection between Osney Mead and Oxpens. The bridge is likely to attract a wide range of users. These include commuters, dog walkers, families and visitors to the city.
The decision has been made not to light the Simpson New Bridge at this time. However, the bridge design will provide the option for lighting to be retrofitted in the future should it be needed. The proposed Simpson New Bridge lands at Grandpont Nature Park. The proposals include the improvement of the existing path between the proposed bridge and the railway bridge to the west. The park will remain a natural area accessible to local people.
The architects explored the siting options. They considered that the bridge structure should be visually lightweight where it crosses the river and the meadow. The resulting Simpson New Bridge design is a carefully considered response to the site.
Upon completion of the Simpson New Bridge, Oxfordshire County Council will be responsible for its upkeep and maintenance. The design of the bridge has been deliberately considered to support the ease of maintenance. The Simpson New Bridge will become an important place-making feature. It has been designed to create a positive experience as users pass amongst the trees and cross the river. It will connect Osney Mead with Oxpens, the city centre and the train station.