Historic Bascule Bridge
Re-Opens to the Public

LIVERPOOL'S historic Bascule Bridge on Regent Road was re-opened on 25 August 2010 to the public by Peel and City Council Leader Joe Anderson.

The official ribbon cutting ceremony took place at 12.30pm today at the bridge with local councillors, council highways department and representatives from the construction company also in attendance.

The 78 year old year old Bascule Bridge was closed for inspection and repair in May 2008 and subsequently condemned due to natural corrosion. Since this date, the owners of the bridge Peel, has worked closely with Liverpool Council’s Heritage and Highways Departments to find an amicable solution to safeguard this landmark.

The bridge is the only surviving example of a rolling Bascule lifting bridge in Liverpool and is an integral feature of the Stanley Dock Conservation Area and the World Heritage designation. It is also an important link in the north south highway network.

In addition to repairs and replacement of parts of the steel structure, the timber engine house on top of the bridge has been given a new natural slate roof and aluminium rainwater pipes making it a key feature of the overall design. The motorised equipment has been retained inside the engine room and the bridge has been painted in its original colours.

Ian Pollitt, Development Investment Surveyor at Peel said:- “We are delighted to announce that the Bascule Bridge is now open to the public once again. We have worked very closely with a number of organisations to ensure that this historic asset remained in keeping with its heritage status and are pleased that it is now back in working order and can be used once again.”

Lindsey Ashworth, Development Director at Peel said:- “Peel takes very seriously the preservation of any historic elements within its ownership and this demonstrates our commitment to retaining such impressive engineering structures where practical to do so. Liverpool Waters, our proposed £5.5 billion regeneration of the derelict parts of the docks has within its boundaries other historic assets that we also have plans to enhance and preserve, details of which will be revealed later this year through our planning application.”

City Council Leader Joe Anderson said:- “We have worked closely with Peel to ensure that this historic bridge is restored and brought back into operation. I am very pleased that, not only is it back in use, but it has been sensitively restored in keeping with the World Heritage status of the area. It is a key feature of the dockland landscape and an important element in a major gateway to the city centre.”

DTZ secures new letting for Latitude

THE building comprising 7,972 sq ft is let to Latitude Digital Marketing on a ten year lease. The passing rent totals £119,580 a year, which equates to £15 per sq ft. Latitude Digital Marketing is a digital marketing agency specialising in pay per click, analytics and social media. The agency, which has offices in Warrington and London, has worked with a range of high profile clients including the Independent, Fitness First, Dolphin Music, Flowers Direct and Britannia Hotels.

Rob Yates, Offices Director at DTZ in Manchester said:- “We are delighted to have completed this transaction within a short timeframe, the accommodation is ideally suited to Latitude’s requirements for the medium to long term. This transaction demonstrates what can be achieved if the landlord, occupier and respective advisers take a pragmatic approach to issues.”

DTZ acted for Latitude Digital Marketing, Marco Polo Asset Management acted for the London Borough of Southwark pension fund.

Fancy being a Koala Catcher?

A leading emigration specialist has revealed that the South Australian government is hoping unusual jobs will attract Brits down under.

The Emigration Group based in Chester, has announced that the government have launched a recruitment drive to lure Britons to work in diverse jobs such as a Koala Catcher, Beer Taster, Shark Personality Profiler and Little Penguin Home Remodeller.

A survey conducted by the Australian government found that 60% of British employees were bored with their job and found that it rarely pushed them outside their comfort zone. 71% of those surveyed said they never have an opportunity to leave the office.

The government is promising stressed and bored Brits the opportunity of the “ultimate work-life balance” and Brits who go to Oz on a working holiday visa are also eligible to work in some of the diverse jobs on offer.

Paul Arthur, Director of Chester based The Emigration Group said:- “Many Brits who come to us looking to emigrate want to escape the stress and the long working hours we have in the UK and to achieve a better work life balance. The government’s new recruitment drive showcases some of the interesting jobs Australia can offer and the more laid back lifestyle Brits can enjoy down under. Life in OZ can be a far cry from some of the 9 to 5 jobs we have over here!”

For more information on emigrating down under, The Emigration Group is holding a seminar in Warrington on Sunday, 19 September 2010.

To book a place or for more details on emigration and the recruitment drive call:- 0845 230 4391 or visit:- emigrationgroup.co.uk.

BBC3 wants you!  "TIME FOR CHANGE?"

THE new BBC3 series "TIME FOR CHANGE?" is looking for couples who are living together! They are asking "Do you find it difficult living with your partner? Are they lazy around the house? Maybe romance has been replaced by video games and football?" If the reply is yes and if you think it’s time to change your relationship then contact them on:- 0207 462 4520 or email them on:- living@renegadepictures.co.uk. The program makers are the ones behind ‘Don’t Tell The Bride’.