Bridge structure complete at Riverside Sunderland
Spanning 105 metres, the final steel section of the New Wear Footbridge has been lifted into place and installed by civil engineer VolkerStein.
Connecting the former Vaux Brewery site and the Sheepfolds, the bridge is a key part of the £500m Riverside Sunderland development, which spans 80 acres close to the city centre.
On completion the project will provide more than 1m sq ft of Grade A office space, 1,000 new homes, a specialist eye hospital, the Housing & Innovation Construction Skills Academy, and leisure centres.
The final steel parts of the bridge were delivered at the beginning of the month. With the structural frame now complete, the fit-out of the bridge can get underway.
Mike Rimmer, senior project manager at VolkerStevin, said: “This is a fantastic achievement for the whole team and a testament to the hard work, coordination and collaboration between our lifting and marine teams to ensure all the lifts could be completed successfully and safely.”
The city’s new landmark is now structurally complete. Credit: Creo Comms
Connecting the north and south banks of the River Wear, the footbridge will join the new developments and improve accessibility into the city centre.
The assembly of the bridge follows news that PlaceFirst has been appointed as the lead contractor for the Farringdon Row housing development at Riverside Sunderland.
A 165-home community, the homes will sit to the west of the new footbridge on the south side of the River Wear, with ground expected to be broken on the site in Summer 2025.
Cllr Kevin Johnston, portfolio holder for housing, regeneration and business at Sunderland City Council, said: “The New Wear Footbridge is a key part of the Riverside Sunderland development which will absolutely transform this prime city centre site over the next decade.
“It’s been fantastic seeing it all come together and as more developments rise from the ground, we look forward to seeing even more cranes move onto the site as yet more projects come to fruition.”
