A long-awaited £40m funding package to restore the rusting Tyne Bridge to its rightful state has been met with joy and relief.
It was finally confirmed last Friday that the government had approved a massive cash injection that will provide the famous crossing with a much-needed facelift, in what will be its first major maintenance for two decades.
Tyneside’s political leaders have been trying to secure money to renovate the Tyne Bridge for years, as it deteriorated further and further into disrepair ahead of its upcoming 100th anniversary in 2028. But work could now start later this year on a huge revamp, that will involve a series of vital structural repairs as well as a full repainting, after the bank holiday announcement by the Department for Transport (DfT).
Read More: The Tyne Bridge WILL get much-needed facelift as funding is approved by Government
Dave Stone, of the By The River Brew shipping container village that sits underneath the grade II-listed North East icon, said its staff and patrons had been “hoping for this good news for a long time”. He added: “It is great to see that the bridge will be getting some much-needed TLC. It is such an important part of the landscape of the region and is recognisable worldwide, now finally it will get what it needs.
“For us at By The River, we look at it every day and we will be really happy to be able to look at it in its refurbished state. It is in a mess right now, so this is some welcome good news in a time of very little good news.”
It took almost three years for the DfT to at last approve the funding for the huge refurbishment programme for both the bridge and the entire Central Motorway, with Newcastle City Council’s bid for the project having been lodged in summer 2019. Around 70,000 vehicles cross the Tyne Bridge each day and it has been feared that a failure to carry out essential repairs could ultimately force transport chiefs to close it to all traffic aside from buses.
But the government has now confirmed it will put £35.3m towards the works, with another £6.1m coming from Newcastle and Gateshead councils.
Newcastle North MP Catherine McKinnell said she was “delighted that our iconic bridge will be once again restored to its true glory”, while North of Tyne mayor Jamie Driscoll added: “I’m always struck by how beautiful the view is along the Tyne when you arrive by train. For so many of us that’s when we know we’re home. Well played to all those involved in securing this important funding – brilliant news.”
Tim Wickens, of heritage body the Northumberland and Newcastle Society, said: “It’s an icon for the North East and especially for Newcastle, the Great North Run is coming up and that showcases the bridge to the whole world. I am absolutely delighted that this is finally happening.”
A two-year renovation of the bridge is due to start later this year, while work on the Central Motorway will begin in 2023. Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness also welcomed the funding pledge, but issued a warning to ministers.
She said: "It's great news that this iconic bridge is finally getting the care it needs. The Tyne Bridge has been a Tyneside symbol for nearly 100 years, and something we are all incredibly proud of. I congratulate all those involved in securing this investment.
"However, we need to be clear to the Government that painting this bridge is not 'levelling up the north'. There are big issues around transport funding, job creation and youth investment that are going overlooked by this Government, and they can't simply paint over those cracks. We urgently need a plan for levelling up that puts people first."
Ian Thomas, destination director of the NewcastleGateshead Initiative said: “We are internationally renowned for our iconic waterfront, and this restoration will complement the £850m investment that has already been committed to transform the quayside over the next five to 10 years, including a brand-new International Arena and Conference Centre. This gateway to the city and world-class infrastructure will add to our appeal and will be fundamental to accelerating the growth of our economy and creating a cleaner and sustainable future for all.”
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