A controversial bridge project that would have spanned the Tay at Perth looks set to be abandoned after the estimated cost soared.
The Connect 2 Bridge project, which would have created a pedestrian/cycle link between the North Inch and Isla Road, started promisingly by attracting Lottery cash, but became mired in controversy, with increasingly acrimonious exchanges between supporters and opponents.
In the end it appears the potential cost, rather than any opposition, will ensure the plan remains on the drawing board.
In a report to go before the council’s strategic policy and resources committee on Wednesday, depute chief executive Jim Irons says, reluctantly, he can see no course of action other than abandoning the project due to the spiralling cost.
The councillors will hear the total project cost is now around £6.27m while the approved budget for the project is £2.64m, leaving a funding shortfall of £3.63m.
Mr Irons said, “In 2007 an opportunity presented itself through Sustrans (the sustainable transport charity) for a bid to be made to the Big Lottery ‘People’s Millions’ competition to assist with funding for the bridge.
“During the promotion of the bid there was a degree of misplaced optimism that the lottery would provide funding for the entire project.
“After the announcement of successful bids in December 2007 it became apparent that a sum of only £1.25m was available from the Lottery Funding for the Perth River Tay project, and that the remainder of the funding would have to be provided from other sources.”
After consulting the public about the preferred option councillors opted for a £2.63m project, with Sustrans’ £1.25m bolstered by £1.38m from Tactran, the regional transport partnership.ObjectionsObjections increased as the project progressed, with golfers in particular incensed that the bridge could have an impact on the historic golf course on the North Inch.
Problems were also encountered convincing the landowner on the Scone side of the river that the project should proceed.
Behind the scenes the council was learning that the estimated cost was creeping up.
On March 18 the council’s consultant, Atkins, said its estimated cost of the bridge construction had risen from £1.8m to £2.2m to between £3m and £3.5m.
“As recently as the first week in April, following further discussion with a specialist bridge contractor, Atkins advised council officers that their estimate of construction costs had risen to £5.25m,” says Mr Irons.
“This would result in a total project cost of £6.27m, and a requirement for additional funding of £3.63m over and above the current budget.
“Atkins have expressed their sincere regret that their earlier estimates were so far out and acknowledge that this has resulted in the project being progressed when it might have been halted at an earlier stage if the true costs had been known.
“They also acknowledge this has resulted in expenditure which might not otherwise have been incurred.
“Whilst is is regrettable that a council decision not to provide the required additional funding will likely result in the project being abandoned, it is difficult to recommend any other course of action in the current circumstances.”