New bridge strikes a chord

Chetham’s School of Music has achieved a significant milestone in its £36M redevelopment with the installation of a bridge to connect new 21st century facilities with the medieval site where the city of Manchester began.

Linking the heart of medieval Manchester with the future of music education, the footbridge will be the main thoroughfare for the School’s 290 students every day. They will cross the bridge as they make their way from their sleeping and eating quarters, to the new school where they will study, practice and perform.

The bridge, fabricated and erected by Watson Steel Structures, crosses the River Irk and was designed as part of a joint venture between Manchester-based Roger Stephenson Architects and structural engineers Price & Myers. The companies applied aeroplane technology to the structure to ensure a lean and sculptural design and to compliment the elegant surroundings while adhering to strict planning restrictions.

Made from weathering steel, the bridge is designed to withstand the harshest conditions and endure years of continued heavy use as it carries Chetham’s future generations for years to come.