NEW WEAR FOOTBRIDGE A 'STATEMENT OF INTENT'
Multi-million pound plans for a pedestrian and cycle bridge over the River Wear have taken a step forward.
The £31m proposed structure, connecting the former Vaux Brewery site to Sheepfolds, aims to frame the Wearmouth Bridge and complement the cityscape as part of the Riverside Sunderland regeneration scheme.
The high-level crossing would allow people to use their smartphones to see virtual displays and would also boast creative lighting appearing as a ‘shard of light’ at night.
Sunderland City Council bosses have agreed the next steps for the project to allow planning for construction to start ‘as soon as possible.’
This included approving the ‘preferred reference design’, seeking and appointing a design and build contractor, acquiring land and appointing consultants, as required.
“The way people move around any urban landscape is an experience [that] fundamentally shapes and defines that space which is why this proposed bridge forms the vital movement artery between the city centre, Riverside Sunderland and the Stadium of Light,” said Cllr Rebecca Atkinson, cabinet member for Dynamic City.
“The bridge essentially binds the development areas within riverside together and will, alongside other infrastructure investments such as 5G, increase the pace of this transformation al change leading to increased private sector activity and so achieving the Riverside Sunderland goal of 1,000 new homes and 10,000 new jobs.”
Cllr Atkinson was updating councillors on the bridge scheme at a cabinet meeting.
The project – which was warmly welcomed by Sunderland AFC players past and present when plans were revealed – would extend from the Keel Line connecting to the banks of the Wear in the shadow of the Stadium of Light.
Set to open in the first half of 2023, the crossing includes a high parapet and balustrades for safety and would stand at a height that ensures that river-use would not be restricted.
It is expected to be in place in time for the Future Living Expo, a high-profile event which will showcase life in the new urban quarter.
Cllr Atkinson added: “This is more than a bridge, this is a statement of our intent, this is us moving forward, this is us growing our city centre.”