Residents to vote on Riverside Sunderland bridge name
The choices are Keel Crossing, Wear Crossing, or Beacon Bridge – with not a ‘Bridgey McBridgeface’ in sight.
Sunderland residents have been asked to name the New Wear footbridge, choosing from a short-list of three that was whittled down from more than 1,000 suggestions.
The new footbridge is being built by VolkerStein, spanning 260 metres in length and 10 metres in width.
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.
To vote, visit www.sunderland.gov.uk/your-sunderland by 5pm on Friday June 6.
The panel that selected the final three names was made up of Sunderland residents, including Rob Lawson, chair of Sunderland Business Partnership and a former editor of the Sunderland Echo and Marty Longstaff, singer and songwriter from The Lake Poets who wrote and sang ‘Shipyards’, the theme song from Netflix documentary ‘Sunderland Til I Die’.
The voting website has been launched as a way for people to share their views and get involved in shaping the city’s future.
Cllr Michael Mordey, leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “We were overwhelmed by how many residents got on board with the bridge naming suggestions.
“We received over 1,000 in total, which shows just how much the campaign captured the hearts and imaginations of residents.
“I’m sure it was a tough task for the panel cutting the list down to a final three, however after careful consideration and deliberation I believe they’ve finally settled on very befitting names.
“We said we would be a Council that listens to residents and devolves more power to the people and Your Sunderland is a great example of how we are doing just that.
“By providing an open forum where residents can have a say on ongoing city developments and projects, we’re ensuring people of all ages and backgrounds have a chance to shape the decisions that directly impact their lives and communities.”
