Iconic bridge marks milestone with accolade

One of the North East’s most iconic landmarks is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a new accolade recognising its pioneering design.

The Gateshead Millennium Bridge, designed by architecture practice WilkinsonEyre with engineering firm Gifford, has been accredited as a World Origin Site in recognition of its status as the world’s first tilting bridge.

It becomes the first place on Tyneside to receive the accreditation, joining more than 50 World Origin Sites around the world.

Dominic Bettison, a director of Wilkinson Eyre, said: “The design was the remarkable vision of Jim Eyre. 

“He had the genius idea of the rotating arch form – truly a world first.

“This bridge design, the first of its kind, continues the legacy of groundbreaking bridge design and engineering prowess that this region is so famous for.

“Our proposal was quite different from any moving bridge that had gone before. 

“A parabolic arch for pedestrian and cycle deck, is echoed by the curve of the supporting arch.

“The bridge still delivers regular drama and spectacle at opening times.”

Other recognised locations include London’s 22 Frith Street, where John Logie Baird gave the first demonstration of television; the Iron Bridge in Telford, the world’s first major cast iron bridge; Brunel’s Thames Tunnel; and Liverpool’s Jacaranda Club, where the Beatles first performed.

The bridge’s 25th anniversary was marked with an event at Baltic Square, where the mayor of Gateshead and deputy mayor of Newcastle processed across the Tyne accompanied by a Northumbrian piper.

A World Origin Site plaque was unveiled before a special tilt of the bridge, while information boards celebrating its history were also displayed.

Councillor Nick Allan, leader of Gateshead Council, added: “The Gateshead Millennium Bridge has truly become one of the defining symbols of our region, and it’s a huge source of pride for everyone in Gateshead.

“We’re very proud to be awarded this accreditation, to recognise the incredible impact of our innovative bridge and the triumph of engineering it represents.

“People around the world now know and appreciate the view along the river with the Gateshead Millennium Bridge as one of the seven crossings over the Tyne between Gateshead and Newcastle.”

Mike O’Connor CBE led the Millennium Commission when it committed to funding the bridge.

He added: “World class architecture like the Gateshead Millennium Bridge – these things are quite expensive, but they can really lift an area. 

“Vanilla projects will not get you across the line.

“We needed something striking, and the Gateshead Millennium Bridge was one of the ten per cent of projects put forward to us that got through.

“We need institutions to support people with ambition. 

“In Gateshead, we saw that ambition, we saw the vision, and we were wholeheartedly behind it.”

World Origin Site status recognises locations associated with significant global firsts, with accredited sites added to an international register.

The accreditation is supported through a UK Government-approved Certification Mark registered with the Intellectual Property Office.

Martin Wilkie, founder of World Origin Site, added: “It is a great honour to help recognise such a truly iconic structure, especially on its 25th anniversary. 

“The design by the team at Wilkinson Eyre is an incredible mix of form and function.

“Our World Origin Site accreditation recognises that the Gateshead Millennium Bridge is the world’s first tilting bridge. 

“Our plaques help remind everyone using the bridge that they are somewhere with global significance. 

“There can only ever be one ‘first’ of its type and it is here joining Gateshead and Newcastle. 

“Everyone we talk to is so very proud of the bridge and we hope that the plaques, one on each side, help remind generations to come just how special this structure is. 

“Big or small, old or new, every World Origin Site matters.” 

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