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Ward Hadaway has facilitated an engineering contract, paving the way for a new footbridge that will connect Sunderland city centre to the north side of the river by the Stadium of Light.
The firm negotiated and completed the contract, on behalf of Sunderland City Council, meaning the construction phase for the bridge and associated infrastructure enhancements in and around Riverside Park can now proceed.
Once complete, the project will connect the former Vaux Brewery site to the south of the river with Sheepfolds to the north side.
Plans for the bridge were unveiled in 2019, with the aim being to significantly improve the accessibility of the Stadium of Light on matchdays.
The crossing is one of a number of major developments within the Riverside Sunderland Masterplan.
Alan Ross, a partner within Ward Hadaway’s built environment team, assisted by associate Philippa Jones and other members of the team, have been advising on the engineering contract.
Ross said: “This is a fantastic infrastructure project for the city and demonstrates the council’s strategic commitment to the Riverside Sunderland regeneration and the transformation of Sunderland as a whole.
“As someone born and bred in Sunderland and who still lives in the city, I have been delighted to assist the council over the past two years on what has been an exciting and rewarding project for all involved.
“This project adds to the growing list of high profile, regionally significant, public-sector infrastructure and regeneration developments our construction and engineering team continues to deliver, as part of our firm-wide major projects and infrastructure offering.”
Patrick Melia, chief executive of Sunderland City Council, added: “The completion of the engineering contract for the bridge and associated infrastructure signifies the commencement of the construction phase of what will be a real centrepiece for the Riverside Sunderland development.
“I would like to thank the team at Ward Hadaway for their excellent advice and assistance and their continued dedication in supporting the council’s development team to bring forward this flagship infrastructure project.”
VolkerStevin Infrastructure Limited, the contractor, is expected to begin works within weeks and the new bridge is expected to be completed in 2025.
