Foster + Partners has won a competition, managed by the The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) on behalf of the Suffolk County Council, to design new river crossings for the Ipswich district the UK. 

The firm's design is based on the comprehensive refurbishment of an existing lock, enhancing connectivity in the heart of town. Foster + Partners will create new routes through the area, will help relieve the present congestion that disrupts the town centre. 

Two new bridges will also revitalise the central urban quarter by introducing new public spaces and routes along the River Orwell, with pedestrian and cycle links between the island site, inner harbour and waterfront. 

The new bridges will be part of a holistic vision for all traffic – vehicular, pedestrian and cyclists. In particular, the main crossing will split vehicles and cycles/pedestrians to create a civilised shared public realm for all.

''Impressed by the quality of Foster + Partners’ overall approach and thinking, including the initial design concepts presented for the project’s three constituent bridge crossings. The approaches were considered to have the potential to provide a very appropriate response to the waterfront context and townscape, as well as acting as a catalyst for regeneration of the wider harbour area,'' said the panel of experts.

The preliminary design proposal will be developed further over the coming months with the wider project team and in consultation with stakeholders, local businesses and residents.

''Ipswich holds a special place in our hearts. The Willis Faber Building was a landmark project for the practice, and we are delighted to have the opportunity to contribute to the town once more. The design of the bridges focusses on enhancing the experience of crossing the Orwell River, increasing interconnectivity and reducing congestion in the town centre,'' said Spencer de Grey, Head of Design, Foster + Partners.

''The project also offers the opportunity to consider the design of the bridges in a wider urban context, creating new promenades and public spaces between the riverfront, inner harbour and island. We look forward to working with the Suffolk County Council to develop and refine our proposals over the coming months to help realise a new urban vision for Ipswich.''

All images courtesy of Foster +Partners

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