Rapid progress on Branston bridge paves the way for growth

Construction of a new road bridge giving access to a multi-million pound business and housing development near Burton has progressed with the installation of its beams.

The new bridge forms part of the access to the Branston Locks development near Burton. Staffordshire County Council is carrying out the project, which includes realigning Branston Road. It will lead to 400 acres of land immediately west of the A38 being developed.

Branston Locks will include 2,500 new homes, a range of community facilities and a 50-acre employment site, which will be known as Quintus. There will also be retail, health, leisure and recreational facilities, as well as provision for older people.

When the road scheme is completed, Nurton Developments (Quintus Ltd) will move on site to carry out the main project, together with residential developers. Separate developments on land nearby will see new primary and high schools built by Staffordshire County Council. The total investment in the area could be over £800million.

The new structure, Nurton Bridge, has already won an award for its engineering design. It will take traffic from the A38 over the Trent and Mersey Canal to the new development on a realigned Branston Road. The existing bridge will link up with Tatenhill Lane. The project will also improve pedestrian and cycle access to the future development and canal tow path.

It is being funded through the Government’s Local Growth Deal, which was accessed by the county council and Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership. Nurton Developments has also made a substantial contribution.

Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership chairman David Frost CBE said the LEP was delighted with the rapid progress at Branston Locks.

“It is an excellent example of how we are working together across the public and private sectors to create new jobs, sustained economic growth and flourishing local communities,” he said. Branston Locks is one of a whole series of exciting new developments taking place across our region illustrating that Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire is an increasingly attractive place for businesses to locate and grow, and a great place to live.”

Staffordshire County Council’s economy leader Mark Winnington said: “The bridge beam installation is a big milestone for this project and will form part of the access to the housing and leisure development. Everything is happening on schedule and we’re looking forward to more good progress in 2017. This development will lead to millions of pounds of additional investment, new jobs and new homes. It is another example of how the county council is working closely with developers and other partners to further increase Staffordshire’s economic growth and make it right for business and an attractive place to live and visit.”

Nearby residents will receive updates about the scheme and traffic management. People can find out more by visiting: www.staffordshire.gov.uk/branstonlocks

The development is part of the wider plan by the county council and partners to create more and better jobs in Staffordshire by creating the conditions for growth – through investment in local skills and the infrastructure that is needed for future development.