A STUNNING new bridge could link the fast-developing Stoke Quay area with the Ipswich's Wet Dock island site.Three designs have been shortlisted for a new pedestrian and cycle link over the New Cut near the existing Stoke Bridge.

A STUNNING new bridge could link the fast-developing Stoke Quay area with the Ipswich's Wet Dock island site.

Three designs have been shortlisted for a new pedestrian and cycle link over the New Cut near the existing Stoke Bridge.

Any of them would be a proud new landmark for the fast-developing Waterfront area of Ipswich.

All the bridges are distinctive in their own right - and the winning design is seen as a vital link between the town centre and the west bank of the river.

One design is by KLH architects of Ipswich with a sweeping arch holding the deck in place.

Strong cables would hold up the deck of the arch.

Another arched design has been put forward by a team from Suffolk County Council.

However this is different as the arch is not directly above the deck, but at an angle to it with a series of wires holding the footbridge in place.

The most radical design has been proposed by Paul Matthews of the Landscape Partnership in Woodbridge.

In this the deck would be supported by a helix - a spiral tube with spotlight and fibre optic lights.

Its design is very different to traditional suspension bridges - although a similar design has been used in a bridge at Le Havre in Normandy.

The bridges are now being considered by a panel of experts under the wing of Suffolk County Council.

They are to make the final decision on which should be built - but then will come the difficult job of funding its construction.

There should be money available from the East of England Development Agency and there may be a levy on developers when more new homes are built in the area.

Bridges elsewhere in the country have also got lottery funding, and there could also be an application for cash for this funding.

The designs were recently discussed by members of the Ipswich Society.

Society chairman Jack Chapman said in its latest newsletter that they had all been welcomed by members.

“It will be interesting to see in several years time whether or not the new bridge gains a Society award,” he wrote.