A significant new chapter in Nottingham’s riverside story began this week as the long-awaited Waterside Bridge officially opened to pedestrians and cyclists, creating the first new crossing of the River Trent in the city since 1958.
The £18 million bridge links Trent Basin and Lady Bay, improving access between communities while opening up new opportunities for residents and visitors to explore some of Nottinghamshire’s most popular outdoor, leisure and sporting destinations.
Officially opened by East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward and Nottingham City Council Leader Neghat Khan, alongside pupils from William Booth Primary School and Lady Bay Primary School, the 87-metre bridge provides a direct connection between the city and the south bank of the Trent.
For visitors, the bridge creates a new gateway to attractions including Holme Pierrepont Country Park, the National Water Sports Centre, the riverside trails around Colwick Country Park and the wider Trent Valley. It also strengthens access to Nottingham’s sporting quarter, including Nottingham Forest’s City Ground and other major sporting venues located along the river.
Built using British steel and fabricated locally in Hucknall, the project showcases regional expertise while supporting wider ambitions to encourage sustainable travel and healthier lifestyles. The bridge forms part of the Government-funded Transforming Cities programme and creates a safe, accessible route for walking, cycling and wheeling across the river.
The opening also supports the continued regeneration of Nottingham’s Waterside area, helping connect new neighbourhoods with green spaces, employment opportunities and visitor experiences. Improved riverside paths, public realm enhancements and future connections into the city centre will further strengthen the area’s appeal.
Visitors and residents will have the opportunity to celebrate the new landmark at a free community fun day on Sunday 14 June, featuring family activities, sports taster sessions, entertainment and food and drink stalls on both sides of the river.
As one of the most significant additions to Nottingham’s infrastructure in recent decades, Waterside Bridge is more than a crossing. It is a new route into some of the region’s most attractive outdoor spaces, bringing communities closer together and making it easier than ever to discover the riverside experiences that make Nottinghamshire such a distinctive destination.
Posted on 03 June 2026
