English Heritage plans to build a dizzying new footbridge at King Arthur’s Tintagel Castle
The winning design, which was selected from 137 entries from 27 countries, will be built by 2019
THIS is the breathtaking new footbridge that English Heritage wants to build at historic Tintagel Castle.
The spectacular span will link the divided landscape of the famous site, the legendary birthplace of King Arthur.
The remains of the settlement can currently be seen on both the mainland and jagged headland which were once united by a narrow strip of land.
The structure - made from a combination of steel, slate and oak wood - has been designed to follow the path of the original land bridge.
The winning design by Ney & Partners Civil Engineers and William Matthews Associates has been selected from 137 entries from 27 countries.
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It has gone on public display for the first time this week to test the public response.
The display at Tintagel Castle Ticket Office & Shop feature further information about the proposed bridge and the chance to meet the experts involved in the project.
English Heritage's Project Manager Reuben Briggs said: "There was a great deal of interest in the proposal to build a new bridge at Tintagel Castle when we announced the winner of our design competition in the spring.
"Over the seven months since then we have been conducting tests and investigations to ensure the proposed design would work and to minimise any potential impact on Tintagel's archaeology and ecology.
"Now we're inviting everyone interested in this project to come and view the proposals, hear about the results of our investigations and have their say on our plans.
"We hope anyone with an interest in this project will join us to find out more and to share their thoughts with us."
The bridge is due to be completed in 2019 - if it gets planning and regulatory approval - and will be used by the castle's 200,000 annual visitors.
William Matthews, founder of William Matthews Associates, said: "Tintagel Castle attracts visitors for many reasons: the dramatic landscapes and geological formations, the Dark Ages remains, the ruined 12th century castle and the legends of King Arthur and Tristan and Isolde.
"Together, they breathe an undeniable and powerful sense of life into the place - to be invited to contribute to that is a rare privilege and honour."
Other plans by English Heritage for further King Arthur attractions at the castle have attracted controversy.
A group known as 'Kernow Matters To Us' expressed outrage when Merlin the Magician's face was engraved at the entrance to a rocky inlet near the castle earlier this year.
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