Network Rail has begun the search for a contractor to design and build the £35 million visitor centre and bridge walk experience planned for the Forth Bridge.

Plans for the Forth Bridge Experience were approved by Edinburgh City Council earlier this year.

Now contractors have been asked to submit their interest in working on the project before Network Rail shortlists firms to tender for it later in the summer.

What the Forth Bridge Experience access point could look like.

Network Rail expects to appoint a main contractor by the end of 2020, with work on site beginning in 2021.

The project will see a bridge walk and reception centre built on the South Queensferry side.

Groups of up to 15 people will be able to walk to a viewing platform on the bridge’s south cantilever, using walkways built into the structure and wearing safety harnesses.

Forth Bridge Experience plans approved despite parking row

Plans to create visitor facilities on the North Queensferry side are also being discussed.

Alan Ross, Network Rail Scotland’s director of engineering and asset management, said: “The bridge walk experience will offer the public a unique chance to explore this world-famous structure and bring a real economic boost to the local economy.

“Appointing a main contractor to help us deliver this project will be a major milestone in creating this new attraction.

“This will be a challenging and exciting project for any company to work on and we look forward to working with the wider construction industry to develop a shortlist to tender.”

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Search begins for contractor to design and build £35m Forth Bridge Experience