Bondholders welcome reopening of key Darley Abbey Mills walkway

Marketing Derby Bondholders based at Darley Abbey Mills have welcomed the reinstatement of a key walkway over the River Derwent reconnecting them with local communities.

Back in December last year, Walter’s Walkway was shut due to concerns over the 1930s bridge structure below.

Following the demolition of this structure, the walkway had been due to be reinstated in February next year.

However, Derby City Council, with support from the East Midlands Combined County Authority has acted quickly – and tomorrow, four months ahead of schedule, Walter’s Walkway is expected to reopen to the public.

Bondholders based at the mills include The West Mill Venue, Darley Abbey Wines, Loates HR, Morrison Design and e-volve Solutions.

Christina Rose, from The West Mill Venue, said: “The reopening of Walter’s Walkway is absolutely fantastic news, and something we’ve been looking forward to for a long time

“The bridge is not just a walkway; it’s a vital connection that helps people discover this wonderful part of Derby, its independent businesses and its industrial heritage.

“We hope its reopening will bring more people back to the mills, encourage them to explore what’s here and give the whole area a real boost.”

According to Chrissie, the reopening will also be welcomed by couples getting married at The West Mill Venue.

She added: “They will once again be able to enjoy their infamous bridge shot!

“It’s such an iconic photograph, with the beautiful West Mill, the river and the surrounding historic mill buildings creating the most spectacular backdrop.”

According to Morrison Design, the reinstatement of the bridge is a boost to the wellbeing of employees, who will now have access to Darley Park once again.

Director Nik Clarke said: “Our team have been very eagerly awaiting the re-opening of Walter’s Walkway and have been keeping a close eye on progress from the studio.

“One of the things we love about being based at Darley Abbey Mills is having such lovely green space on our doorstep.

“Getting outside and enjoying the surroundings is an important part of life at Morrison Design, with many of our team making the most of daily lunchtime walks and regular wellbeing walks together.

“The walkway is also a really useful everyday connection for some of our team and visitors who travel into the office from the other side of the river, making their journeys a little easier too.”

Following its closure, Walter’s Walkway was lifted from the river entirely to allow for the complete demolition of the original bridge.

Reinforcement of the riverbank followed, with new sheet piles being installed and the space filled in behind.

This work also included new concrete abutments, providing a sturdy foundation for the new Walter’s Walkway.

Last month, contractors Cawarden put the walkway back in place using a 470-tonne crane; an impressive feat of engineering in a difficult riverside environment.

The demolition work was supported with funding from EMCCA.

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward said: “Walter’s Walkway is an important connection in Darley Abbey, so it’s great to see it back in place four months ahead of schedule.

“I know how frustrating the closure has been for local people. We’ve helped fund the urgent work to get the walkway back in place, as well as supporting plans for a new permanent bridge.

“It’s a good example of what we can achieve when EMCCA and the council work together, with local knowledge and regional funding helping to get things moving.”

Councillor Carmel Swan, the city council’s cabinet member for climate change, transport and sustainability and a Darley Ward councillor, said: “This is a huge moment for Darley.

“The communities at the mills and in the village have been cut off for several months and I’m delighted that the bridge is now in place.

“Thank you to everyone for your patience throughout this complex situation.”

 Since the closure of the original bridge due to safety concerns in May 2022, the city council has been working to restore permanent access to the mills complex.    

A strategic outline business case was published in February, which identified a viable solution that would see a new structure built offering full-time access for active travel and emergency access for motor vehicles.

Carmel added: “With Walter’s Walkway back in place, we can now focus on delivering a new permanent bridge for Darley Abbey.”