A new £3.2 million footbridge in Newbridge town centre has been officially opened by local sporting legends Joe and Enzo Calzaghe.
The undefeated former world boxing champion and his award-winning trainer father officially opened the bridge today in front of huge crowds.
The ex-champ said: “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.
Calzaghe. Senior added: “We would like to take this opportunity to express our thanks and gratitude to everyone who has been involved in arranging this special day.”
The bridge, in Bridge Street, near Newbridge leisure centre, forms part of the Newbridge Safe Routes in Communities scheme, a £1.4 million project funded by the Welsh Assembly Government and Caerphilly County Borough Council.
Deputy First Ieuan Wyn Jones joined the duo and various other officials for the ceremony.
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.”
The bridge was designed and project managed by Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Joint Venture partner Capita Symonds.
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.”
