2.7 Million Bridge Bid Launched

1st December 2009

Type: News

Categories: Love Middlesbrough News

A major bid has been launched for a £2.7m grant to fund innovative and contemporary improvements to Middlesbrough’s iconic Transporter Bridge.

Middlesbrough Council has submitted the bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund for improvements to the bridge including the installation of glass lifts so that access to the top with its stunning views will be available for everyone.

If successful the bid will also help celebrate the bridge’s 100th birthday on October, 17, 2011.

Enhancements

Enhancements the money will secure include:

• The installation of glass viewing lifts – the lifts would be carefully constructed respecting the distinct early 20th century industrial aesthetics of the bridge and allow visitors to see the stunning views across the Tees Valley and a bird’s eye view of the former industrial heart of the region.
• Improvements and enhancements to the walkway across the top, to open up, and enable public access to the walkway
• Motor replacement to enhance the visitor experience, improve reliability, enhance signage and lighting upgrade
• Restoration work to existing gondola, provision of a viewing area to the motor room, upgrade of the visitor centre and surrounding buildings
• Virtual access to the top of the bridge with webcam and cameras
• A 12 month programme of celebration events to raise awareness of the bridge and the area’s heritage with a major celebration on its 100th birthday

Transporter Bridge Video courtesy of Michael-Adam Goodwill

The Transporter Bridge

The Transporter Bridge, one of the nation’s great bridges, is Grade 2* listed and is the only transporter bridge still in operation in the UK.

Built and opened in 1911 it is one of Teesside’s most recognisable landmarks and is seen across the world as a symbol of the area’s industrial heritage.

In recent years the Transporter Bridge has become a centre for extreme sports with regular events involving 1,500 visitors in bungee jumping, zip lining and abseiling from the structure.

The bid to enhance it will help to increase public accessibility and participation, ensuring its relevance for people today.

But any additions to the bridge will be sensitively designed in order not to diminish the significance of the existing structure.

Councillor Charlie Rooney, Executive Member for Transport, said: “The Transporter Bridge is a great tourist attraction for Middlesbrough and iconic symbol for Teesside.

“If this bid is successful the bridge will benefit from modern improvements with greater accessibility for all and will be a fitting way to celebrate its centenary year.”

Notification of the outcome of the first stage of this bid is expected in January 2010.

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