English Heritage has unveiled a series of six possible designs for a new footbridge at Tintagel Castle, a site long associated with the legend of King Arthur.

The 13th century castle, built by Richard the Earl of Cornwall, first became a tourist site in the 19th century. Now mostly ruins, the heritage attraction sits on a jagged rock outcrop currently accessible by a long stair climb. The castle is among the remains of a much earlier and more extensive settlement, dating from the fifth to seventh centuries.

The bridge proposal would link the outcrop to the mainland, following the path of the castle’s original crossing. The bridge will be used as an educational tool, helping tourists to better understand the site’s history, while also helping to conserve and protect the surrounding landscape.

Six architectural teams have been shortlisted for the development from a list of 137 applicants across 27 countries. The finalists include UK-based Marks Barfield, Wilkinson Eyre and Niall McLaughlin; France-based Dietmar Feichtinger and RFR with Jean-Francois Blassel; and Belgium-based Ney & Partners Civil Engineers with William Matthews Associates, Ettwein Bridges and Waagner Biro.

“We are looking for the most talented team of architects and engineers to design something special for Tintagel Castle,” said Kate Mavor, chief executive at English Heritage.

“These concept designs help us to visualise each team’s approach and how the bridge would complement Tintagel’s exceptional landscape and rich heritage.”

English Heritage says the judging panel is keen to hear from the public about the designs, with comments to be fed through to the panel who will decide the winner in the new year.

The final bridge will be subject to a number of regulatory approvals, including planning permission and Scheduled Ancient Monument Consent. A completion date has been set for 2019.