Mallison Bridge - the comeback?

Funding sought for key Quay link

A replacement for Exeter Quay’s Mallison Bridge could be back on the cards through a bid for government cash.

The wooden bridge, originally built in 1984 and named after a professor who left money to the city, closed in 2018 because of safety concerns after its timbers rotted. It was torn down in 2020.

As a result, a small alleyway next to Commercial Road is currently the only way for pedestrians and cyclists to access the main part of the quay from Cricklepit Suspension Bridge.

Planning permission for a replacement pedestrian and cycle bridge was given in December 2018. However the project has since been delayed and a lack of cash means it is not part of Exeter’s budget for the next financial year.

But speaking at a full city council meeting this week, leader Phil Bialyk (Labour, Exwick) revealed that Exeter is preparing a joint bid with Devon County Council to secure funding through the Department for Transport’s active travel programme.

“If successful, this will lead to a replacement bridge for cyclists and pedestrians, and I very much welcome this bid going forward,” he said, adding that it was not part of the capital programme because “we simply do not have the necessary funds.”

It is thought a replacement bridge will cost around £1 million.

The Green Party has been urging the council to rebuild the bridge and included it as part of their group’s rejected budget amendments.

“Visitors to Exeter and many local people make a beeline for the quay to enjoy a stroll along the river and sample some of the many local businesses there. We don’t need to send them round the houses and down a dark alley,” Green councillor Amy Sparling said.

“Replacing Mallison bridge will restore a vital link for people walking, wheeling or cycling.”

In a statement, Cllr Bialyk added: “I’ve always said that we are committed to replacing Mallison Bridge at the appropriate time, when funding is available.

“An opportunity has come from the Department for Transport through their active travel programme, and working with Devon County Council we are hoping to be able to draw down funds which may be able to replace Mallison Bridge.

“So we are planning to put that bid in, in partnership with Devon, and we are very hopeful that we can get the funding. If we get the funding, we can get the bridge back. It will be an important link again and will add to the cycle network, which we strongly support in the city.”