There are quite a few bridges named the Millennium Bridge found across the United Kingdom with the Millennium Bridge in London arguably being the most well known. Although this may be the case the most famous architecturally is the Gateshead Millennium Bridge.
The reason why the Gateshead Millennium Bridge is so famous is because it is the world’s first and only tilting bridge.
History of the Gateshead Millennium Bridge
The bridge was planned prior to the new millennium. It was built and then placed at its location on the 20th November 2000 by one of the world’s largest floating cranes.
The bridge wasn’t opened to the public until 17th September 2001 and wasn’t officially opened until 7th May 2002 – when it opened to a huge crowd and was dedicated to Her Royal Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Upon opening the Gateshead Millenium Bridge has allowed pedestrians and cyclists across; linking Gateshead with Newcastle via Gateshead Quays and Newcastle’s Quayside.
The Building of Gateshead Millenium Bridge
The Bridge cost £22 million to build and was funded through a collaboration of the Millennium Commission and European Regional Development Fund. The Bridge was built by Volker Stevin.
The Millenium Bridge is famous for its architecture, the reason is that it is not only aesthetically pleasing it also tilts to let boats past rather than other conventional bridges that open in the middle.
The bridge has already gained itself the nickname the “Winking Eye Bridge” as it looks like a winking eye as it tilts.
Since it was built, the Gateshead Millennium Bridge has won numerous awards including the Royal Institute of British Architects Stirling Prize in 2002.
Because of its beauty and interesting way of functioning the Gateshead Millennium Bridge has become a worldwide tourist attraction for people visiting Newcastle and Gateshead. If a visit to the bridge is not on your itinerary when coming to Newcastle or Gateshead then it is a must to try and squeeze a visit in because you are certain to enjoy this wonderful Millennium creation.
If you are visiting the Gateshead Millennium Bridge the best time is at 12 noon on any day as this is when the bridge tilts with ships coming or not.