18.09.19
Union Chain Bridge receives £3.14m National Lottery funding
The oldest operational suspension bridge in the world has received £3.14m in lottery funding, securing its future.
The Union Chain Bridge, or Union Suspension Bridge as it is also known, has been providing a crucial transport link between England and Scotland for over 200 years.
The National Lottery Heritage Fund has made it possible for the bridge to continue its work and continue its long history. The fund will cover a major programme of repairs, due to get underway early next year.
Aside from physical repairs, the successful bid means a boost in community engagement and education activities can now get underway, with programmes designed to celebrate and explore the bridge’s historical and engineering importance, with a hope to attract tourism to the local area.
The bid was a result of serious concerns from a local community group regarding the structural integrity and condition of the bridge and was put together by Northumberland County Council (NCC), Scottish Borders Council (SBC), Museums Northumberland and community group Friends of the Union Chain Bridge.
The same groups are also committed to continuing the fundraising in addition to the £3.14m, with activities planned within the local area.
Their success was celebrated today (Wednesday 18 September) at the Horncliffe site, on the English side of the bridge, with HRH The Duke of Gloucester in attendance.
He was joined by lead councillors from NCC and SBC, as well as members of Friends of the Union Chain Bridge.
David Renwick, director of England: North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “Not only have National Lottery players secured the future of the iconic structure that is the Union Chain Bridge, but the money they have raised will also strengthen connections between communities in Northumberland and the Scottish Borders.”
His excitement is echoed by Robert Hunter, chair of the Friends of the Union Chain Bridge, who added: “I am enormously grateful to our Friends, NCC, SBC and Museums Northumberland who have worked incredibly hard get to this outcome.
“Together with our other funders we are not only going to restore the bridge but deliver a really exciting project of community events, which will allow all of us to be incredibly proud of this great structure.”