A new icon on North's skyline
Nov 20 2009 by Francesca Craggs, The Journal
WHEN it comes to iconic and visually stunning sculptures, not many areas can boast more than the North East.
Home to the Angel of the North, the Transporter Bridge, Mima and The Sage Gateshead, to name but a few, the region is proud of its award-winning landmarks. Infinity Bridge in Stockton can now be added to that list.
The brainchild of Tees Valley Regeneration with support from Stockton Borough Council, the Homes and Communities Agency, One North East and the European Regional Development Fund, the bridge was built by Balfour Beatty and opened earlier this year. A stunning addition to the skyline, the double-arched bridge spans the River Tees and sits at the heart of the flagship North Shore development.
But it's not just regionally that Infinity Bridge is making waves. Since its grand opening, the £15m structure has picked up not one but two prestigious international awards.
The footbridge, which measures 180 metres and stands 40 metres high, won the Robert Stephenson Award, the North East regional award from the Institute of Civil Engineers (ICE) for excellence in engineering. The esteemed award recognises construction projects that demonstrate excellence in concept, planning, design, construction, demolition, maintenance or operation.
Richard Buckley, director of development at Tees Valley Regeneration, said: "Infinity Bridge is set to become another symbol of the North East's transformation and a picture postcard image that represents the regeneration of the Tees Valley."
During the building process Balfour Beatty used the largest mobile crane in the UK to lift the large northern arch into place.
Building on its success at the Robert Stephenson Awards, Infinity Bridge was successful at the prestigious Structural Awards, scooping the ultimate accolade, the Supreme Award, at a glittering ceremony at the Natural History Museum in London.
The bridge fought off strong competition from more than 100 global entries in 11 categories, from stadia to public buildings and bridges to private houses.
At the Structural Awards, Infinity Bridge was initially named Best Pedestrian Bridge before going on to win the overall prize.
Mr Buckley added: "To win any award is obviously great news but for Infinity Bridge to beat off entries from around the world is a real testament to its stature within the structural profession. It's been a fantastic year for the bridge, which is now the proud owner of two prestigious awards. It really backs up everything Tees Valley Regeneration and our partners wanted to achieve with the creation of the structure.
“The bridge has become the focal point of regeneration, not just in Stockton but across the Tees Valley and the wider North East.”
Expedition Engineering and Spence Associates won the competition for the design of the bridge. It was chosen as an eye-catching design, which would complement the wider regeneration of the area. The subsequent design was led by Expedition assisted by more than 20 other firms, many of which were based in the North East.
Infinity Bridge will link Tees Valley Regeneration's multi-million pound North Shore development with Durham University's Queen's Campus.
The North Shore project is a vibrant mixed scheme, which will transform an underused pocket of land on Stockton's Riverside into a thriving hub of residential, commercial and leisure facilities along with a hotel. It will bring hundreds of jobs and secure vital private sector investment alongside substantial public sector support.
It is one of a number of projects spearheaded by Tees Valley Regeneration, which are helping to transform the area's image and put it on the national and international map.
