Iconic bridge scoops hat-trick of awards
28 Nov 2023 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news
Six months after its grand re-opening, the Union Chain Bridge connecting England and Scotland has scooped a hat-trick of awards.
Restoration of the 203-year-old structure, the oldest vehicular chain suspension bridge in the world was completed earlier this year after every single piece was removed, checked and restored or replaced before being carefully reassembled.
Now, back to its former glory, the bridge, and the teams behind the project, have been honoured with three awards.
The Georgian Group’s Architectural Awards celebrate exemplary conservation and restoration projects in the UK, recognising those who have shown “vision and commitment” in restoring Georgian buildings and landscapes.
The bridge was a joint winner of the Diaphoros Prize, alongside restoration of the Inner Hall of Windsor Castle, with judges noting its ‘unique cross-sectoral partnership’ involved in the project.
Days later, in the National Building and Construction Awards, main contractor Spencer Group scooped gold for Restoration Project of the Year and silver for Community Engagement for the scheme.
Northumberland County Council Cabinet Member for Improving our Roads and Highways Councillor John Riddle said: “We knew how special this project was but it’s always good to have outside recognition for your work.
“Six years ago we faced the difficult decision when the choice of the bridge’s future hung on two options - find very significant funding to restore it or let it go into "managed decline".
“We chose the former which was a brave decision but thanks to superb teamwork with all our partners we have delivered what is thought to be the largest cross Border, cross Council project ever.
“A key thread throughout these awards has been the recognition of the great partnership working throughout this project – and these honours are for everyone who has played their part in this fantastic restoration.”
Chief Executive of Museums Northumberland Rowan Brown said: “‘We’re absolutely delighted with these awards, and looking hopefully towards the North East Culture Awards in December.
“A key aim of the project was to put our monument on the map, and this validation is both greatly appreciated and central to that mission. Forever grateful to our funders and partners too, who made this ambitious project possible.”
Councillor John Greenwell, Executive Member for Roads Development & Maintenance at Scottish Borders Council: “It gives me great pleasure to see the Bridge and those involved in its detailed, precise restoration being recognised with recent awards.
“It took a tremendous effort and years of hard work from all the parties and organisations involved to make this restoration a reality and these accolades are a fitting acknowledgement of those achievements.”
The funding bid for its restoration was put together by Northumberland County Council, Scottish Borders Council, Museums Northumberland and community group Friends of the Union Chain Bridge, following serious concerns about the long-term future of the world-famous structure.
Both councils committed match funding towards the scheme, with other fundraising activities progressed by the Friends of Union Chain Bridge in support of the project.
The project also received around £4.5million from The National Lottery Heritage Fund towards the restoration.
These are not the first awards the project has won. In 2021 it beat off stiff competition to win a coveted Local Government Chronicle (LGC) Award. in the Partnership (Public/Public) category.