Official opening of Clifton Suspension Bridge booths

The Clifton Suspension Bridge Trust is celebrating the successful completion of the new toll houses which were designed by RIBA award winners Purcell architects and built by award-winning local construction company Beard.  The new toll houses provide a compact yet comfortable working environment for the team of bridge attendants, with all the amenities and facilities required for them to operate 24/7 and 365 days of the year.  The Trust’s vision was to also replace the toll houses with modern, more energy efficient structures that better complement Brunel’s bridge design.  Trish Johnson, Bridge Master said: “The bridge is a Grade I-listed structure and 154 years old, which requires ongoing work to make sure it can continue to operate effectively and meet modern day needs. The new toll houses improve the setting of the bridge and also provide better working conditions for our attendants, who do a fantastic job as curators of the bridge, round the clock and in all weathers.  Peaches Golding OBE, HM Lord-Lieutenant for Bristol, cut the ribbon on the door of the toll booth in a ceremony attended by Trustee chairman Chris Booy, other Trustees and the design and construction partners.