THIS is the scene of the controversial Bute Park lorry bridge taking shape in the Cardiff’s Grade I-listed central parklands.

The £1.4m bridge to allow access for articulated lorries serving the council’s nurseries and setting up for events in the parklands has been one of the most controversial developments in the city in recent years.

Council officials argue that the bridge will pave the way for work that will open up the historic central parklands up to many more residents and visitors to the city through refurbishments, information boards and improved facilities.

Yet opponents believe the bridge is wrecking the longstanding character of the park and is “even more intrusive than predicted”.

Their letters are printed in today’s Viewpoints pages.

When the bridge is completed, the council plans to start work early next year on the paving within the park and the £3.6m restoration project paid for by the Heritage Lottery Fund. The first work in “early 2010” will be to resurface some of the paths through the parklands and build a “summerhouse kiosk” selling refreshments.

In the spring, work will begin restoring the dilapidated animal wall of sculptures facing Castle Street.

Work to develop the city’s nurseries in the centre of the parklands as a training centre for staff is planned to begin in the summer.

One of the council’s first aims is also to re-open the North Gate of the Castle allowing people to walk though the castle into the park.

By mid 2012, the council hopes to have completed the restoration of West Lodge, have re-flooded the small leat around the castle and restored the Blackfriars Friary.

Jennifer Stewart, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), Wales which is supporting the restoration of the Park with a £3.1m grant, said the work would connect the parklands to the city.

She said: “The park is enormously popular with both local people and visitors and once work is complete the visitor experience will be enhanced even further as the park will once again be connected to the gardens and castle, creating one fantastic space to explore and enjoy in the heart of the city.”

But Professor Kevin Morgan, chair of Bute Parks Alliance argued much of the work would “erode the beauty and tranquility of Bute Park still further”.

He said: “The reality of the bridge is shocking in terms of size, scale and impact.

“No amount of landscaping will mitigate the negative effect of this construction.

“And, sadly, the council’s plans do not stop with the bridge, the huge Tarmac turning circle, the widened roads, and the commercialisation of the nursery will erode the beauty and tranquility of Bute Park still further.”