A Vista of Bridges Over the Tyne – Part 2: The Millennium Bridge

Way back when in December 2016 (a distant memory, I know) I published an article looking back at the history of Newcastle (and Gateshead’s) iconic Tyne Bridge with a view to lusting over the Tyne’s other remarkable bridges for the following weeks. I should’ve known though that – as it always does – life would get in the way. But now we’ve got time for part two: The Millennium Bridge.

As the new kid on the block, the Millennium Bridge feels like somewhat of a juxtaposition as it sits in such elderly company. In fact it’s as much a juxtaposition as if someone were to replace Cinderella’s elegant glass slippers with a pair of Nike Air Max trainers – indeed, a cringe-worthy comparison, but you see what I mean!

In the early 2000s, Newcastle and Gateshead councils were jointly redeveloping their respective Quaysides into clean, creative and cultured recreational spaces fit for the 21st century. In order to complete the project, the two spaces needed to be joined together (both physically and symbolically) and so the Millennium Bridge was born. Fortunately, since the Millennium celebrations had just passed, naming the bridge was a very straightforward process.

The eye-catching ‘winking’ design of the tilting bridge was designed to draw people to the Quayside and – along with the Baltic and the Sage – aided ‘NewcastleGateshead’ in their successful bid to become the arts capital of the UK in 2006. Since then, it continues to cement its status as a bastion of culture in the North of England.

Lifted into place by one of the world’s largest floating cranes (aptly named ‘Hercules’) at a cost of £22 million, the bridge was opened by Queen Elizabeth on 7th May 2002. Despite the initial outlay, the bridge is actually very cost effective, with each tilting cycle costing a mere £3.60.

In 2007, the Millennium Bridge caught the eye of Royal Mint designers who featured the striking structure on the reverse of that year’s £1 coins. You’ve probably got a few lying around, unless you’re a student. In which case you won’t have any money at all. 

Although the bridge’s tilting mechanism is rarely used for practical purposes – apart from occasional boat races and tall ship events – several full cycles are completed each week in spite of this for the enjoyment of tourists and locals alike.

Over the last decade and a half, Gateshead’s Millennium Bridge has wormed its way into Geordie folklore, created a collaborative tourist board between two waterfront behemoths and finally given Gateshead town a tourist attraction to replace that horrid old brutalist car park.

Truly, a bridge worthy of such a legendary river.