Tidemills Footbridge secures planning approval

23 July 2019

Knight Architects and Arup have secured planning permission for a unique footbridge for Network Rail within the South Downs National Park. Located near the site of the lost village of Tide Mills, East Sussex, the footbridge and approach walkways will replace the existing pedestrian level crossing. As part of Network Rail’s national public safety programme to replace level crossings, the footbridge will bring greatly improved public safety to a high-risk location and provide a vital link for the community in allowing safe access to Seaford Beach and the surrounding landscape.

The proposed footbridge will form an integral part of the existing route to the sea while at the same time enhancing the experience of the natural and historic landscape. It is recognised that the majority of users at this site are time-rich and by introducing a variety of new and unique raised points over the landscape the design exploits the opportunity to engage recreational users in the surrounding beauty and create a universally accessible space from which to enjoy the natural environment.

"It is a crafted structure; an enhancement of the landscape in a very sensitive location …an experience in which history, culture and landscape can unfold before you."

-Landscape and Design Officer, South Downs National Park Authority