A striking new £3.2 million footbridge providing improved community links in Newbridge town centre was officially opened today (Wednesday, 9 September) and named in honour of two local sporting legends.
Joe and Enzo Calzaghe were joined by the Deputy First Minister and Minister for the Economy and Transport, Ieuan Wyn Jones to open the landmark Calzaghe Bridge, located in the heart of Newbridge town centre.
The bridge will improve pedestrian links between isolated elements of the community and the town centre, providing accessibility to job opportunities, retail, leisure, cultural and educational services and facilities.
"We are honoured to have this landmark structure named after us and we hope the whole community will enjoy the benefits of the bridge and the new links it has created," said Joe Calzaghe.
"We would like to take this opportunity to express our thanks and gratitude to everyone who has been involved in arranging this special day," added Enzo Calzaghe.
The Calzaghe Bridge project has been funded through Welsh Assembly Government transport grants and will provide sustainable access to Newbridge for pedestrians, cyclists and people with disabilities.
The bridge is a key part of the ERDF funded Newbridge Regeneration Programme which aims re-establish the town centre as a focus of economic and social activity and broaden the town's socio-economic and cultural base.
The opening also marks the completion of the £1.4 million Newbridge Safe Routes in Communities scheme, providing improved access for cyclists, pedestrians and people with disabilities to local facilities including the school, leisure centre and rail/bus interchange.
Mr Jones said: "Newbridge and the surrounding community have reason to celebrate. Not only is the town benefitting from improved community links, it also gets the opportunity to honour a great sporting family who are true ambassadors for the area.
"The Welsh Assembly Government is delighted to be able to support the building of this new bridge and the Newbridge Safe Routes in Communities project that will provide safer, more accessible links for the whole community.
"This is another example of our commitment, set out in the National Transport Plan, to improve walking and cycling facilities across Wales to provide a healthy, environmentally friendly alternative to the car."
Idris McCarthy, Chair of Newbridge Partnership, said, "This whole project has been an excellent example of partnership working between Newbridge Partnership, Newbridge School, Caerphilly County Borough Council, Capita Symonds and the local community. This successful partnership has enabled this project to come to fruition and I would like to thank everyone who has worked so hard over recent years to make it a success."