A historic 19th-century Leith bridge is set to be reborn as a pedestrian walkway under new proposals to preserve the infrastructure.
Plans for the category A-listed Victoria Swing Bridge will see the Water of Leith crossing reimagined as a public space almost 30 years after it closed to vehicular traffic.
Owners Forth Ports hope to create a “useable space for the local community” by renovating the central portion of the bridge - the largest of its kind in Scotland - as an area for cyclists and pedestrians.
Work could get underway in 2022 if council chiefs give their backing to proposals, made possible by a private ‘six-figure investment’.
Initial refurbishments to the current north and south walkways may start immediately to ensure access is preserved during the second phase of redevelopment.
Charles Hammond, Group Chief Executive at Forth Ports, said: “The Victoria Swing Bridge is a well kent sight in Leith and it is an important and rare surviving example of our heritage.
"The plans we have submitted to the Council have been well thought through and will ensure that the repairs are appropriate for the conservation of this important landmark."
He added: “We want to also create a useable space for the local community and we hope that once the bridge has been restored, people will be able to enjoy this historic space.”
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The Alexander Rendel-designed bridge, opened in 1874 to provide access to the Albert Dock, closed to traffic in the 1990s having previously provided access to the port via road and rail.
It reopened to the public in 2000 after the restoration of timber decking on each side and remains the largest counterweighted bridge in Scotland.
The bridge was upgraded from category B listing to category A in 2014.
