Gateshead Millennium Bridge
Subscribe now to instantly view this image
Subscribe to the Architects’ Journal (AJ) for instant access to the AJ Buildings Library, an online database of nearly 2,000 exemplar buildings in photographs, plans, elevations and details.
Already a subscriber? Sign in
Graeme Peacock (website) Download Original
Opening bridge for pedestrian and cyclists spanning 105 meters over the River Tyne. Winner of the 2002 Stirling Prize
The bridge links Newcastle’s thriving north bank with Gateshead Quays – a new arts and cultural quarter to the south.
The bridge is essentially two graceful curves, one forming the deck and the other supporting it, spanning between two new islands running parallel to the quaysides. These pivot around their common springing points to allow shipping to pass beneath, using an innovative rotational movement similar to that of a slowly opening eyelid.
The parabolic curves of the deck extend the 105 meter crossing distance to around 120 meter, giving enough extra length to provide the required clearance above the water. Visually elegant when static and in motion, the bridge offers a great spectacle during its opening operation – both during the day and by night.
Data
- Completed: 2001
- Sectors: Civic, Transport
- Total cost: £17.7M
- Address: South Shore Road, Gateshead, United Kingdom
Tags 
Bridge, Design competition, Gateshead, Pedestrian bridge, RIBA Award, River Tyne, Riverside, Stirling Prize winner
Materials
Professional Team
- Architect: Wilkinson Eyre Architects
- Client: Gateshead Council
- Structural engineer: Gifford & Partners
- Lighting consultant: Jonathan Spiers & Associates
- Main contractor: Harbour and General
- M&E engineer: Gifford & Partners
