Transporter Clears Latest Lottery Funding Hurdle

Middlesbrough's iconic Transporter Bridge has been given the green light by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) to work up plans ahead of a major improvement programme, it was announced today.

Development funding of £111,500 was awarded to help progress the plans towards a full bid for £2.03 million which will be used to create major improvements to the historic bridge which celebrates its centenary in 2011.

The HLF first-round pass means that the Transporter now progresses to the second stage of the HLF application process, when more detailed plans will be submitted for the full grant amount. 

The Grade 2* listed Transporter, one of only a handful of working examples in the world, links Middlesbrough and Port Clarence and is a spectacular landmark on the River Tees.

The restoration project will feature improvements to the Bridge, with visitors not only enjoying the panoramic view but also gaining a greater understanding of the history of the Bridge and the surrounding industrial heartland.  

Further planned enhancements include:

The installation of glass viewing lifts, giving visitors stunning views across the Tees Valley and a bird’s eye view of the former industrial heart of the region
Improvements to the walkway across the top to increase public access
Motor replacement to improve reliability, enhanced signage and improved lighting
Restoration work to the gondola, provision of a viewing area to the motor room, visitor centre upgrade
A 12-month programme of celebration events to raise awareness of the Bridge and the area’s heritage with a major celebration on its 100th anniversary
In recent years the Transporter has become a centre for extreme sports with regular events involving 1,500 visitors in bungee jumping, zip lining and abseiling from the structure.
Councillor Charlie Rooney, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive Member for Transport, said: “The Transporter Bridge is an iconic symbol for the region and a great tourist attraction for the town, so the confirmation that we’re a step closer to major funding is fantastic news.

“If we are successful in winning the full £2.3 million, the Transporter will get a major makeover in time for its centenary year.”

Ivor Crowther, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund North East, said: “Middlesbrough’s Transporter Bridge is an iconic structure, both defining the surrounding industrial heartland and acting as a major tourist attraction.

“We are pleased to be able to give our initial support for the Council’s ambitious restoration plans, particularly as preparations for the bridge’s centenary in 2011 begin in earnest.”