Design of River Wear bridge is kept under wraps

Jul 23 2008 by Adrian Pearson, The Journal

THE artist behind the UK’s most secretive bridge has called on city leaders to release his designs – three years after he handed them over.

Stephen Spence designed what he calls an iconic bridge for the River Wear which would be one of the most unique and inspiring projects of recent years and could stand as tall as the Penshaw Monument.

But because council bosses in Sunderland have not yet agreed to fund the bold design, and are still considering a more basic option, the bridge remains a secret.

Sunderland Council says it does not want to raise expectations until it knows it can fund the project, despite assurances from the Government on most of the funds, and development agency One NorthEast promising to help pay for an iconic design.

The council has also turned down a Freedom of Information request for the design, claiming it is not in the public interest. Now the architect has called on the council to trust people to make up their own minds.

Mr Spence told The Journal: “It is hard to accept that despite having handed them this in 2005, it has still not been seen outside of their offices.

“You see so many schemes that never even materialise in which they proudly show the designs.

“Here we have a lot of the money secured but no openness.

“The best way to take this forward is to show it to people.

“We should want people to get excited about this, it would have a huge impact in Wearside.

“The techniques used in this bridge would make it unique around the world.

“Sunderland should not have to play second fiddle to Tyneside on these things.

“This is something that could change the long-term image of Sunderland. Any council should be more than eager to get this out and build up support.

“Now we have to take this by the horns. They have secured more than £100m from the Government, and support from other organisations.”

Sunderland Council has Government support for the construction of a basic bridge, something the council has yet to rule out.

One NorthEast will provide £8.9m towards the project provided the bridge is iconic in design.

Conservative group leader Lee Martin said the only hurdle to overcome was how much the council will contribute. He added: “We have the money available if we really want this, or they can settle for the version the Government will build.

“Not only should they release the design but they should run a competition to name the bridge and really make it something the whole city can get behind.”

Sunderland Council could not comment yesterday, but have previously said that once the business case is accepted by the Government, it will look in detail at the bridge options and make that information available to the public.

Mr Spence has worked on projects worldwide and is currently overseeing the final construction stage of the new North Shore bridge in Stockton, Teesside.