Matlock Bridge, Derbyshire, UK
Repairing a town’s 500-year-old infrastructure
After substantial flood damage to the town of Matlock, Arup worked closely with the Environment Agency on an emergency scheme to repair and extend the existing flood defences.
The collapsed area was immediately adjacent to a scheduled and Grade II* listed medieval bridge. We produced a heritage study to guide the design development of an extended and reinforced river wall, showing how it should harmonise with its historic setting and connect appropriately into the bridge structure.
We also created an animation and heritage trail for local youth groups and schools. The animation explains the history and significance of the bridge and sets the repair works in the context of 500 years of continual change, while the heritage trail encourages young people to consider their place within the history of the town.
