**UPDATE 13/02/25**
The votes have now been counted and Bow Bridge Road is the winner! 44% of you chose this name. Find out more about all the suggested names and their link to this part of Chelmsford below and on Chelmsford City Council's CityLife site.
Chelmsford City Council is calling upon residents and businesses to participate in naming the city's newest bridge, a significant infrastructure project connecting Wharf Road and Parkway. This 50-meter-span corten steel bridge is a vital link between the emerging Chelmer Waterside neighbourhood and the city centre, enhancing connectivity and supporting ongoing development efforts.
The council has collaborated with local groups, including the Chelmsford Civic Society, Ignite Chelmsford, Essex Waterways, and its own heritage team, to propose five potential names that reflect the rich history and cultural significance of the area. Each name has been carefully considered and approved by the council's address management team.
1) Jabez Church Bridge Approach: Honouring Jabez Church Jr., a prominent Victorian-era gas engineer who significantly contributed to Chelmsford's industrial development.
2) Timespan Bridge Road: Symbolizing the connection between Chelmsford's past, present, and future, linking the Essex Record Office and the new Waterside development.
3) John Rennie Bridge Road: Commemorating John Rennie, the designer of the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation, which played a crucial role in Chelmsford's industrialization.
4) Bow Bridge Road: Reflecting the bridge's distinctive bow-shaped design and its status as the widest span in Chelmsford.
5) Confluence Bridge Approach: Highlighting the geographical significance of the bridge's location, where the Rivers Can and Chelmer converge.
“Chelmsford’s history has been shaped by its reliance on bridges through the ages. This striking new crossing is not only an essential link to a much-needed new quarter, but an iconic design that makes a statement in the present with a nod to our past.
These thoughtful names remind us how much of our history and identity is connected to our waterways and I’m looking forward to finding out the city’s favourite!
The council encourages all members of the Chelmsford community to cast their vote for their preferred name. Voting can be cast using a voting form on Chelmsford City Council's website or by visiting the council's Facebook or Instagram pages. Only one vote per person or social media account will be counted.
Voting is open until Monday, 10 February, with the winning name to be announced shortly thereafter.
If you have any questions or need further information about the exciting opportunities in Chelmsford, our dedicated team is here to help.
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