Parkway Iconic Bridge

This new two-stage open competition invites architects, engineers to design a new bridge to be built over a major route close to Sheffield City Centre. The bridge is to serve pedestrians, cyclists and equestrians.

The competition seeks the best designers and ideas for a new bridge to link a new industrial and residential area with an existing woodland park. Situated on the main route between the M1 and Sheffield City Centre, the bridge will become a point of reference for everyone using that route. With a life of at least 50 years it is hoped it will win a place in local affection and be a part of a positive shared memory of the City and the region. The bridge is to be procured in partnership with Rotherham Borough Council and Yorkshire Forward.

Competition Structure
The competition will take the following format :
Stage 1 : Seeks initial designs (presented on a maximum of 2 A2 sheets) which will be judged anonymously. A shortlist of up to five will then be selected and the authors invited to proceed to the next stage.
Stage 2 : Stage two will involve further exploration of Stage 1 ideas and will involve an interview and presentation to the Jury Panel.
Honoraria : A total honorarium of £27,000 is to be shared equally between entrants selected to proceed to Stage 2.

Background and Context
The A630 Sheffield Parkway is a dual carriageway which links the heart of Sheffield City Centre with the M1 motorway. Along its 3km length it is crossed by a variety of highway and footbridges as well as having a number of interchanges.

When opened back in 1974 the road had, in one location, an at-grade crossing and over the years, as traffic volumes have increased, this crossing has become very infrequently used. When the Sheffield Parkway was constructed the at-grade crossing was considered to be an appropriate facility for its location. It is likely that this decision was based on traffic flows that have since been greatly exceeded. In 1992 an attempt was made to close the right of way on safety grounds but strong objections were raised and the right of way remained open.

In terms of the area immediately surrounding the site the main attraction is currently recreation walking around the existing footpath network. Other facilities in the area include the municipal golf course, several sports grounds and facilities and Sheffield Airport viewing area.

There are extensive re-development proposals that lie in the vicinity of the site. Although the development proposals are not finalised, indications show that there could be in the region of between 3,500 and 5,000 dwellings and a prestigious business park development. Commuting is expected into the business park, thus raising the need to develop Green Travel Plans and have good transport links. These developments also raise the potential base of users of the bridge.

Bridge Aspirations
There is a strong desire between Sheffield and Rotherham Councils that the bridge be of landmark status and present a significant gateway to the cities. The bridge will provide an ideal opportunity to improve the transport network as a whole for all users in the area. It will have a significant architectural prominence in an otherwise predominantly motorway type environment. As a feature, the bridge is expected to assist greatly in the marketing efforts of the surrounding areas as development opportunities.

Design Requirements
The bridge is to have a strong visual quality and competitors will be asked to consider what will make it a unique, appropriate and beautiful design. It must have its own identity, based on the local conditions, use of materials, lighting design, structural approach and form.

In short (full details to be provided in the brief) key issues to consider are :
– The total design span is 37.8m.
– The bridge should have sufficient width to accommodate cyclists, pedestrians and horses, ie 4m between parapets
– It should address durability and low maintenance issues in the form of construction and materials, and embrace principles of sustainability
– Access and egress ramp arrangements to be in embankment and to have gradients no steeper than 1 in 15
– Vertical clearances to the underside of the bridge from the carriageway should be 5.7m minimum
The budget is £1.5m GBP excluding professional fees and VAT.

Assessment Criteria
– the visual impact and aesthetics of the proposed design
– response to surrounding context
– feasibility to be delivered within budget
– functionality
– anticipated on-going maintenance considerations
– compliance with brief requirements
– the team – ability to work with the client to take the project forward (stage 2 only)

Intention to Build
It is the intention that the winning team will be appointed to take the project forward and through to completion. The team will be expected to work with Rotherham Borough Council and others, including Sheffield Council’s Designs and Project Management Bridge Engineers who will provide the necessary support, independent design checks, and on site supervision.

Competitors shortlisted to Stage 2 will be expected to demonstrate their ability to either have the experience and competence to deliver the scheme, or that they are prepared to work with a partner architect or engineer to ensure deliverability.

Jury Panel
The Jury Panel will include representatives from Rotherham and Sheffield Council (including engineering) and RIBA Architectural Adviser Nik Randall from Spacecraft Architects.

Competition Timetable
The competition timetable, which may be subject to variation, is as follows:
Brief available: 7 September 2007
Question deadline: 13 September
Submission deadline: 16 October
Stage 1 Assessment: w/c 22 October
Shortlist notified: w/c 29 October
Stage 2 Submissions: w/c 26 November
Stage 2 Judging (interviews): w/c 10 December

Eligibility
The competition is open internationally to teams led by either an architect or an engineer. Collaboration between disciplines is actively encouraged.

How to Register
To register and receive a copy of the competition brief, please send a cheque for £35.00 (including VAT), payable to RIBA Competitions. Please note we do not have credit card facilities.

Enquiries
All enquiries should be addressed to the competition organisers:
RIBA Competitions Office
6 Melbourne Street
Leeds
LS2 7PS
T : ++44 (0)113 2341335
F : ++44 (0)113 2460744
E : riba.competitions@inst.riba.org
W : http://www.architecture.com/competitions