Introducing Gavin Jones and Emma Newrick's update

 

Gavin Jones, Community Engagement Officer and the one in the middle.
On either side of Gavin is Norman Liversuch and his daughter Rhiannon. 

Gavin writes:-

Hi everyone, my name is Gavin Jones and I will soon be joining the Newport Transporter Bridge team as the Community Engagement Officer. For the past six years, I have been with the Living Levels Landscape Partnership, working across the Gwent Levels on which the bridge is such a stunning presence. I have over 25 years of experience in community engagement and am very excited about being part of an amazing project for such an iconic Newport landmark.

I have been a big fan since first discovering the bridge – in fact, before that, my only previous encounter with a transporter bridge was via the TV programme ‘Auf Wiedersehen Pet’.

One of the first things I did in my present job was to insist that the partnership lined up for a photo along the top, complete with a poor photographer who was afraid of heights! For the past few years, I have led a ‘Levels from above’ walk as part of the Chepstow Walking Festival, finishing with a climb across the bridge, which has never failed to sell-out, this year being no exception.

I always say to people that this is the ‘best £3 (or £4) you’ll ever spend’ and I am certainly looking forward to working with the Friends on helping to make the Transporter Bridge a top attraction for Newport – and Wales!

Emma's update

It has been a challenging six months for the Newport Transporter Bridge. In July, we received notification that our two principal contractors, Cleveland Bridge UK and WRW Construction, had entered administration. Both developments were completely unexpected. As the project works were at such an early stage, minimal funds had been spent with either contractor and, as both were not in a position to fulfil their contractual obligations, we were forced to retender.  The process has been completed and we hope to be able to announce our new contractors in the coming weeks.

On a positive note, we have been able to progress with certain packages of work including the interpretation and additional land purchased on the West near the VC. The design of the additional land includes nine parking bays including three accessible spaces and electric charging points. Creative Core were appointed as our interpretation team and public consultation is underway with key audiences including access groups, cyclists, Pillgwenlly residents, schools, families and of course the Friends of the Newport Transporter Bridge.

We bid goodbye to Bridge Supervisor Rob Wilmott who has taken early retirement and welcomed Gavin Jones who is joining us our new community engagement officer. It has been a busy time for us with filming requests. The site has been used as a location by several television crews, appearing on Cbeebies “Grace’s Amazing Machines” and “Foxy’s Fearless 48hours” which saw celebrities Jason Fox and Maya Jama bungee from the top of the bridge. 

We are taking advantage of the delay to works on site by running more events, group visits and offering an exclusive Bridge Driving Experience. Please follow us on social media or visit our website www.newport.gov.uk/transporterbridge for further details coming soon. Next year one of our main priorities will be fundraising so if any members are interested in supporting us by coming up with ideas or helping us with bucket collections, abseils, sponsored events, grant applications, or anything else you can think of then please get in touch.

As a team, we would like to thank you for your continued support and we look forward to seeing you soon.

Emma Newrick

Project Manager, Newport City Council