Grainger’s development at Berewood continues to evolve as it now includes the longest bridge of its construction type in the World, which is situated over a section of the River Wallington. The ‘flat pack’ bridge at Berewood was designed by engineers at Queen’s University, Belfast and used a precast concrete system to allow the bridge to be transported quickly and easily before being lifted, where it transformed under gravity into an arch. The bridge spans 16m (53ft) and weighs almost 300 tonnes. It was successfully installed over the river in just a day and a small event will be held for the bridge opening.
The River Wallington itself is currently being ecologically restored as part of Grainger’s new community nature reserves at the Berewood site. The river was previously an overgrown concrete culvert in desperate need of restoration, but it will soon develop into a meandering channel running through one of the 17.5 hectare nature reserves. Although work has now begun on the river, it will be a number of years before the restoration is complete.