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Bridge & Public Realm

Long Eaton, Derbyshire
GAG 307

The new Long Eaton Footbridge is designed to reconnect the town with West Park and the Erewash Canal, creating a welcoming new route and destination for everyday life.

Currently under construction and due for installation and completion in Autumn 2026, the project will introduce a landmark crossing that improves access while enhancing the surrounding public realm.

The elegant arch and gently curving deck guide pedestrians and cyclists across the water, offering generous space, improved accessibility and a safer, more comfortable crossing for all users. Integrated lighting, clear sightlines and smooth gradients create a bridge that feels open, intuitive and inviting throughout the day and into the evening.

Inspired by Long Eaton’s lace-making heritage, delicate vertical balustrades form a lightweight ribbon across the canal — a contemporary interpretation of the town’s industrial past. The design frames views of the historic lace factories and surrounding landscape, turning the crossing into an experience rather than simply a route. Together with the new waterside terrace, the bridge creates a vibrant civic space that brings people closer to the water and strengthens connections across the town.

Services on this project

Architecture (0-7)
Lead Designer
Consultation & Engagement
Gaining Consents
Sustainability & Passivhaus
Landscape Design
Principal Designer
Visualisation
RIBA Stages 0 – 5
Stage 0 –The Initial Consultation

Defining the project’s purpose, business case, and initial advice.

Stage 1 –Preparation and Briefing

Developing the project brief, assembling the project team, and conducting site surveys

Stage 2 –Concept Design

Creating initial design concepts, sketch plans, 3D models, and early cost estimates.

Stage 3 –Spatial Coordination

Refining the design, including structural, MEP, and architectural details to achieve consents, such as planning permission.

Stage 4 –Technical Design

Preparing detailed technical drawings, specifications, and building regulations information.

Stage 5 –Manufacturing and Construction

Building the project, including off-site manufacturing and on-site construction.

Although we’ve been designing far longer, 2026 marks 15 years since Gagarin was officially launched. After hundreds of projects and various awards, in some ways it feels like we’re just getting started. That’s because we’ve now got the expertise and confidence to win and fulfil the work we want most.