New Mills Yard bridge across the River Wensum to be replaced

Norfolk County Council has been granted permission by City Hall to carry out the work at New Mills Yard in Norwich. 

The bridge, which connects Westwick Street to Riverside Walk, was first constructed in 1898 and has deteriorated in recent years, resulting in its closure in April due to concerns about its stability.

The dilapidated structure is now set to be removed and replaced as part of a £500,000 project which aims to see the route opened to the public again next year. 

Flashback to March 1971, when the pumping station was still in use

New Mills Yard is a former watermill complex that forms the head of navigation - the furthest point upstream that Broads boats can reach on the Wensum.

Its Grade II-listed pumping station was built in 1897 as part of engineering works for the new Norwich sewage system.

It has been shut since 1972, following the construction of new sewage works at Whitlingham.

The pump house stands on the site of a medieval watermill and is believed to have first been used for water supply as early as the 16th century.

Plans to restore it to working order were withdrawn five years ago and it remains to be seen whether it will be revived, as it will not be altered in any way under these proposals. 

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New Mills Yard pump house and bridge (Image: Steve Adams)

The bridge at New Mills Yard has only been accessible to pedestrians and cyclists since 2005 and will remain shut to vehicles once it reopens.

County Hall officials say its replacement will "improve upon the current appearance" of the area but will be very similar to the existing structure. 

Many local people and businesses use the bridge to cross the Wensum and two diversion routes have been in place via Barn Road and Riverside Walk since it closed in April. 

Construction work is expected to begin in 2025.