Wear footbridge takes shape in Sunderland

The first two sections of a key part of the Riverside Sunderland regeneration masterplan have been installed by principal contractor VolkerStevin.

The installation took place across three days last week, with construction workers and engineers working night and day.

When the bridge opens in August 2025, it will directly connect Keel Square in the city centre, where leisure space is now full, with the Sheepfolds area, where the £4m Sheepfolds leisure hub has just been opened.

Along with Sheepfolds Stables leisure hub, other facilities to benefit from the improved linkage will include the Stadium of Light, the £15m Housing and Innovation Construction Skills Academy, and the National Esports Arena.

VolkerStevin is the contractor. Credit: via Creo

Cllr Kevin Johnston, portfolio holder for housing, regeneration and business at Sunderland City

Council, said: “Hot on the heels of the successful launch of Sheepfolds Stables, it’s fantastic to see the bridge now also adding to the city’s ever-changing skyline.

“When it opens to the public next year, it will be a real conduit for carrying people from the city centre to the sheepfolds and vice-versa, providing a significant boost to the businesses relocating to Riverside Sunderland and those choosing to live here.

“It will also massively improve access to the Stadium of Light for match and event-goers, and provide an attractive pedestrian and cycle route which complements the city’s active travel and low carbon ambitions.

“It really is a key part of our city masterplan, which over the course of the next decade will see billions of pounds invested in the city and send a message to the world that Sunderland is very much an ambitious and visionary city.”

The two steel sections, spanning 83 metres, were connected to the North Pier and North Landing sections by VolkerStevin.

Mike Rimmer, senior project manager at VolkerStevin, said: “I’m really proud of what the team has achieved, with challenging high tides and the sites tight geography, successfully lifting these two sections into place has required flawless coordination between our lifting and marine teams to ensure these lifts could be completed within the narrow window of opportunity.

“The barge is already on its way back to Belgium to collect the next two parts, ready to bring them back to their new home in Sunderland.”

The barge will return to Sunderland with the next sections. Credit: via Creo