City plan is revived for replica Brooklyn Bridge

Blueprints for the project were originally drawn up in 2001 but a series of setbacks, including floods in 2007, meant that the idea was postponed several times.

Planning permission was granted in 2002, but that has since lapsed and councillors will today be asked to renew their approval to allow the project to go ahead.

The bridge, which will be a tenth of the size of the New York original, will span the River Don close to the city’s Kelham Island Museum if it is finally built.

Sheffield Industrial Museums Trust, which runs Kelham Island, and the Upper Don Walk Trust, which aims to complete a path along the Don, are among its sponsors.

Those behind the design claim it is appropriate because parts of the original Brooklyn Bridge were made in Sheffield and shipped to the USA for its construction.

One of the works in the area where the bridge is proposed is called Brooklyn Works and was named after the city became involved in the bridge building in the 1800s.

The works have now been converted from their former metalworking use into apartments, and the bridge plan faces serious opposition from people who live there.

In papers to be examined by Sheffield Council’s city centre, south and east planning board today, one resident dismisses the project as “Disneyfication” of the area.

Another says: “In the current climate, one would expect the council and other interested parties to have more worthy causes to spend their time and money on”.

Some letters supporting the project have been received by planners, with those backing the plan saying it will attract more visitors to the area and the museum.

In a report to the planning board, officers say that although the area contains several listed buildings and structures, it is acceptable and should be supported once again.

They add: “While located in a historically sensitive environment, the proposed bridge is considered to be a reflection of the area’s heritage and will add value to the area.

“It does not physically impact on any of the listed building or the weir such that these structures remain intact and their value is retained for this and future generations.”

On its website the Upper Don Walk Trust says: “Around the middle of the 19th century, American industry relied heavily on Sheffield steel makers and the expertise of Sheffield craftsmen.

“The New Brooklyn Bridge at Sheffield is designed to commemorate this heritage, and the relationship between Sheffield and Brooklyn.”