The search goes on for new funding to help fix Newcastle’s broken Swing Bridge and restore a Victorian engineering marvel to its former glory.
Next week will mark 150 years since the famous crossing swung open for the first time, showcasing its visionary design and helping to transform the North East economy by allowing huge ships access further up the River Tyne.
But, the William Armstrong designed bridge has not swung open since 2019 and remains in need of significant repairs.
Councillors were told this week that potential funding sources have been identified to pay for a detailed feasibility study that would assess the bridge’s condition and determine the cost of a full restoration programme.
Liberal Democrat cllr Pauline Allen said she was concerned that progress had been too slow and urged authorities to demonstrate their commitment to bringing the bridge back into operation. “We need to show people that we are concerned and we do want the bridge to swing again,” she said.
Officials from Newcastle City Council told members of the Gateshead Newcastle Joint Bridges Committee that a detailed assessment is needed before any repair work can begin. Alistair Swan, Newcastle City Council’s principal engineer, said authorities first needed to understand what would be required to return the bridge to full operation.
The bridge’s structure is jointly maintained by Newcastle and Gateshead councils, while the Port of Tyne is responsible for its complex hydraulic swinging mechanism. The Victorian structure uses pressurised water to power hydraulic engines capable of rotating the bridge’s 3,000 tonne central span.
Council officers said any restoration project would be complex and costly, with repair costs expected to run into millions of pounds. Mr Swan confirmed that discussions had taken place with the National Lottery Heritage Fund regarding support for a feasibility study. Talks have also been held with the North East Combined Authority over possible funding opportunities. He acknowledged that local authorities alone do not have the resources needed to fund a full restoration project.
The issue was also raised by Reform UK councillor Graham Keating, the new chair of the committee and Gateshead Council’s cabinet member for transport. He said enough time had passed since the bridge last operated and called for a clear action plan to be developed.
Councillor Keating described the bridge as a structure of international importance and said it remained a powerful symbol of the region’s heritage. Liberal Democrat leader of Newcastle City Council Colin Ferguson agreed, describing the bridges across the Tyne as a key part of Tyneside’s identity.
He said that while the bridge no longer needs to open regularly for large vessels, preserving its ability to swing remains important from a heritage perspective.
The Swing Bridge was the largest opening bridge in the world when it entered service in 1876 and became renowned as a masterpiece of Victorian engineering.
History enthusiasts marked 150 years since the bridge opened to road traffic last month, and the anniversary of its first opening to river traffic will be commemorated on July 17.
A spokesperson for the North East Mayoral Combined Authority confirmed it had already provided a letter of support for a government funding bid relating to the bridge.
They added: “We would be interested to understand any further plans the councils may have for ensuring the future of this historic structure.”
