Community to name iconic new city bridge

Sunderland residents are being invited to make history by naming a city landmark that is closing in on completion. 

Sunderland City Council has announced that residents will have their say on the name of the city's new footbridge, which is set to open this year. 

Community groups will feed into a list of possible names, which will then be put out to a public vote, enabling people from in and around Sunderland to make the final decision on the moniker for the city centre landmark, which will open to the public in the summer.  The bridge connects the north and south sides of the river, and is part of the Riverside Sunderland regeneration programme, that is transforming the heart of the city. 

Councillor Michael Mordey, leader of Sunderland City Council, said: "Just like the Northern Spire - which was named by our residents - we want local people to have their say on what we call this iconic new bridge, which will be used by many thousands of people every week when it opens later in the year. 

"The footbridge is one of those developments that - as it's gone from vision to a reality - has captured the interest and imagination of local people. From speaking to residents, it's clear there is an enormous sense of pride about this bridge already, and so it's important that they have a chance to select a name that really connects with them and that is befitting of a landmark that is so significant to the changing Riverside Sunderland area."

As well as having an affection for the bridge, local people and businesses are already benefitting from its construction. 21 local people have secured jobs working on the bridge, four apprenticeship roles have been created, six work experience students have been able to learn on site and Volker Stevin - the contractor constructing the bridge - has supported 66 hours of education engagement to local schools.

The construction of the new city landmark reached another significant milestone last month [2 Dec] when the strand jacks used to lift the central section of the structure were removed. Now the jacks have been disconnected, work will commence to install the bridge deck.

The bridge is one of a number of developments underway at Riverside Sunderland, now widely recognised as one of the UK's most ambitious regeneration projects. The scheme seeks to double the number of people living within Sunderland city centre while providing workspace for up to 10,000 jobs.

Several major developments have already commenced as part of the regeneration programme, including the Maker & Faber office buildings, Culture House, Eye Hospital, Housing Innovation Construction Skills Academy (HICSA), and Vaux Housing.

For more information on Riverside Sunderland, visit: https://www.riversidesunderland.com/