New Sunderland footbridge name shortlist revealed
Voting has opened to decide a name for Sunderland's latest multimillion-pound landmark.More than 1,000 possible contenders were submitted by the public for the new Wear footbridge.The favourites have since been whittled down to a final three for people to choose from - Keel Crossing, Wear Crossing and Beacon Bridge.Michael Mordey, leader of Sunderland City Council, said a panel of representatives from local community groups had been "overwhelmed" by the response.
"We received over 1,000 in total, which shows just how much the campaign captured everyone's hearts and imaginations," he said."We've had entire families, school classes and community groups coming together to think of ideas, so hopefully this next stage will spark even more excitement."The panel included Rob Lawson, chair of Sunderland Business Partnership.He said he hoped the shortlist would "capture hearts and imaginations for generations to come".
Due to open this summer, the bridge is a central figure in the development of Riverside Sunderland, described as one of the UK's most ambitious urban regeneration projects.Measuring 10m-wide and spanning 260m, at a height of 30m above the river, it is one of several high-profile developments under construction.About £31m has been spent on the bridge, commissioned by the Labour-led council, which will link Keel Square with Sheepfolds and the Stadium of Light.
In recent months, parts of the bridge have made their way across the North Sea after being manufactured in Ghent, Belgium.The footbridge naming vote is the first feature to go live on Your Sunderland, the new online platform launched by the council. The vote closes on 6 June.Mordey added: "By providing an open forum where residents can have a say on ongoing city developments and projects, we're ensuring everyone has a chance to shape the decisions directly impacting their lives and communities."
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