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Transporter Bridge set for revamp

Teesside’s iconic landmark, the Transporter Bridge, is set for a £2.7m revamp in its centenary year.

The bridge celebrates its centenary in 2011, and a bid has now been made to the Heritage Lottery Fund for around £2m to help meet the cost.

Plans have been drawn up which include:

• Installation of lifts to take visitors to the top of the bridge
• Upgrading IT equipment in the visitors’ centre
• Artistic interpretive panels on and around the bridge
• Gondola improvements or a viewing area so people can see inside the motor room next to the visitor centre
• Events to celebrate the centenary in 2011

An initial decision on the bid is expected to be made in mid-January by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Because of the scale of the work involved some of the improvements such as the new lifts might not be completed in time for the centenary, but would be installed soon after.

Charlie Rooney, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive councillor 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.”

The bid is also being supported by Ashok Kumar, MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland. The MP said he would be writing to the Heritage Lottery Fund indicating his support.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .