Council begins work to restore historic Hemel Hempstead bridge

Dacorum Borough Council is beginning work to restore the white Grade 11 listed cast iron bridge in Gadebridge Park.

The work on the historic bridge is due to begin on Monday 7 September and finish in January.

While the work takes place there will be a temporary bridge over the River Gade.

A small section of the Gadebridge Lane car park will be closed during the works and a temporary footpath will be installed for pedestrians.

Work on the bridge includes restoring and repainting the historic iron work.

The bridge dates back to around 1840 when the owner of the former Gadebridge house, Sir Astley Paston Cooper, arranged for a local iron founder, Joseph Cranstone, to erect a bridge.

With its design resembling bamboo, it echoes the Chinese style popular at that time. Gadebridge House was demolished in the 1960s.

Cllr Alan Anderson, portfolio holder for Environmental Services, said: “The White Bridge is a historic and well-loved feature in Gadebridge Park and we are looking forward to seeing it fully restored to its former glory.”