New Darley Abbey Mills Bridge

Overview

The original Darley Abbey Mills Bridge was closed in 2022, after significant structural safety concerns were identified.

Derby City Council installed Walter’s Walkway to maintain access to the mills complex, while plans for a permanent replacement were developed, 

In July 2026, Walter’s Walkway was removed after further deterioration of the original bridge and riverbank erosion. The original bridge was subsequently demolished in the interest of public safety.

We are now working to stabilise the riverbanks, reinstate Walter's Walkway as an interim crossing and develop a permanent replacement bridge.

This work is being supported by funding from the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA).

Why a new bridge is needed

The closure of the original bridge created a need for a long-term solution that is safe, resilient and financially sustainable.

While Walter's Walkway continues to provide access and is accessible for wheeled users, it remains a temporary structure and ongoing maintenance creates a financial burden for the Council. Recent issues affecting the walkway have further highlighted the importance of delivering a permanent replacement.

A new bridge would:

• provide a safer and more reliable river crossing
• improve walking and cycling connections
• support access to Darley Abbey Mills businesses and residents
• improve resilience during emergencies and extreme weather events
• enhance the character and heritage setting of the area

Progress to date

To support future funding bids and design work, the Council has completed a range of studies and assessments, including:

• Heritage Statement Baseline Understanding and Geoarchaeological Assessment
  • Historic Maps Appendix
  • Photo Survey Appendix
• Engineering Options Report
• Option Assessment Report
• Strategic Outline Business Case

Some documents may not be fully accessible. If you require information in an alternative format, please contact the City Sustainability team.

Next steps and timeline

The project is now moving into the next stage of development. This includes working closely with planning, heritage and environmental specialists, as well as organisations such as the Environment Agency and Historic England.

In March 2026, EMCCA approved a three-year package of capital and revenue funding to support:

• development of detailed bridge designs
• preparation of Outline and Full Business Cases
• project development activities between 2026/27 and 2028/29.

Subject to future funding approvals, this work will prepare the project for potential delivery from 2029 onwards.

Preferred bridge option

A wide range of bridge options was considered. Two options emerged as offering the best value for money:

1. a bridge for walking, wheeling and cycling only
2. a bridge for walking, wheeling and cycling, with access for emergency vehicles

As there is little difference in cost between these options, the Council's preferred option is a bridge that supports active travel while also allowing access for emergency service vehicles when needed.

Benefits of the preferred option

The proposed bridge would:

• improve safety and journey reliability
• encourage more walking and cycling
• reduce dependency on private cars
• improve access to jobs and businesses at Darley Abbey Mills
• support customers and visitors accessing the site
• provide greater resilience during emergencies and flooding events

Why emergency vehicle access matters

Emergency vehicle access is an important part of the proposal because:

• the layout of the Mills complex can restrict access for larger emergency vehicles from existing routes
• a second access point would improve resilience if one route is unavailable because of maintenance, flooding or another incident
• access across the River Derwent would help emergency services respond more effectively during major incidents and flooding events, improving safety for residents, businesses and visitors