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Gateshead Millennium Bridge, an innovative new structure linking Gateshead and Newcastle, will open to allow boats pass beneath it for the first time today (Thursday 28th June). The Bridge, which received a lottery grant of over £9.75 million from the Millennium Commission, is the first opening bridge to be constructed across the Tyne for more than 100 years, and its opening mechanism is an engineering world first. When closed, small boats can sail under the bridge, but for larger traffic, as part of its unique design, the whole structure rotates at an angle of 40 degrees creating a gateway arch, giving a 25-metre high height clearance for river traffic. Each opening or closing of the bridge takes approximately four minutes and is so energy efficient that it uses just £3.60 worth of electricity each time it opens. The bridge also cleans itself each time it rotates as any litter dropped on the deck automatically roll into special bins, preventing it from falling into the Tyne. Jerry Michell, Head of Commercial Affairs at the Millennium Commission, said: "It's great to be here and I feel it?s a real privilege to witness the first boats passing under the Bridge.This is an exciting moment for Gateshead and continues the region's heavy engineering tradition. It is a shining example of innovative architecture and design which will undoubtedly become a landmark for the North East and an excellent example of how lottery money through the Millennium Commission is transforming our urban environments and providing new and better facilities for communities." "The Gateshead Millennium Bridge is part of an investment the Millennium Commission is making across the region which is creating jobs, boosting local economies and providing new opportunities for local people. It is creating a lasting legacy which will be felt for generations to come." When it opens to the public in the autumn the bridge will have two lanes, one for walkers and one for cyclists, divided by a steel fence.The pedestrian lane will also include benches for people to stop and enjoy the view.Special lighting units built into the bridge will illuminate it at night are able to produce different coloured lights, allowing it to stage dramatic light shows. The Gateshead Millennium Bridge forms an important part of the regeneration of the Gateshead Quays.This new cultural quarter will include an art gallery, music centre,restaurants and bars, and is a major contribution to Newcastle & Gateshead's bid to become the European Capital of Culture in 2008. The Millennium Commission has invested over £68 million in buildings, environmental projects and people across the North East.Projects include the International Centre for Life in Newcastle which includes LIFE interactive World - an exciting visitor attraction that explores the secret of life itself. Visitors can take a totally new look at what life means and how it works including discovering the secrets of DNA.Smaller projects include the Millennium PHAB Club (Physically Handicapped and Able Bodied) in Jarrow which is enabling people with and without disabilities to come together on equal terms to enjoy community and leisure activities. Over 16,000 small grants have also been given to individuals across the UK to put a bright idea into practice to benefit themselves and their wider community through the Millennium Awards Scheme. A huge range of innovative projects have been undertaken from artists skills sharing groups to community support groups.For example, an Award winner in Tyne & Wear, who was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age 35, used her Millennium Award to undertake a training course that has helped her to set up a support network for children of cancer patients called ?Best Friends?.There are still thousands of Millennium Awards available to people living in the North East and throughout the UK. -ends- Notes to editors 1. The Millennium Commission is one of the good causes funded by the National Lottery. 2. The Millennium Commission has also supported: - Around 200 new buildings, environmental projects and visitor attractions on over 3000 sites across the UK.
- A UK-wide programme of community festivals which began on New Year?s Eve 1999 and culminated on New Year?s Eve 2000 with celebrations in 32 towns and cities across the UK.
- The Millennium Experience at Greenwich and the National Programme.
3. The Millennium Commission also works with over 100 Awards Partner organisations to distribute Millennium Awards to individuals for community based projects.Over 16,000 people have already received a Millennium Award and there are still thousands of Awards available.Further information is available on 0800 06801 2000. For further information contact: Millennium Commission Press Office on 020 7880 2007, out of hours 07775 573263 The Millennium Commission web sites can be accessed atwww.millennium.gov.uk and www.starpeople.org.uk For television enquiries please contact Marc Leuw at The Television Consultancy on 020 7435 4343. back to top Copyright © 2000 The Millennium Commission
Millennium Commission 27th-June-2001
Categories: News Archive
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