Iconic bridge wins prestigious award

The £15m double-arched structure, which straddles the River Tees and is a central component of the flagship Northshore scheme, was one of five winners at the regional heat of the RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) Awards 2010.

The win, announced at a ceremony in Newcastle, means Infinity Bridge will go forward to the national finals to be held later this year.

Infinity Bridge was the brainchild of the delivery team at Tees Valley Unlimited and Stockton Council with support from the Homes and Communities Agency, regional development agency One North East, and local firm Balfour Beatty.

Chris Munro, Area Manager at the Home and Communities Agency, said: 'The Infinity Bridge is a major step in the transformation of the Northshore area. The HCA has invested over £25 million in preparing Northshore for large-scale mixed use development, which will provide new homes and help to create jobs and economic growth in Stockton.'

Richard Buckley, Director of Delivery at Tees Valley Unlimited, said: 'Infinity Bridge has been designed to the highest standard, visually and structurally, which is backed up by this extremely prestigious RIBA award win.'

'The fact this award comes on the back of last year's top prize at the Structural Awards is a great testament to everything the partners wanted to achieve when we initially announced plans to create the bridge.'

'I am absolutely delighted with the win and the focus is now on the national finals where the bridge has every chance of further success.'

Councillor Bob Cook, Stockton Council's Cabinet Member for Transport and Regeneration, added: 'Infinity Bridge already has an impressive string of accolades and this RIBA award is another welcome achievement. The structure is a stunning landmark across the River Tees and is at the heart of the ambitious Northshore scheme.'

The RIBA Awards 2010 win can be added to the growing list of accolades picked up by Infinity Bridge, which also includes winning the Robert Stephenson Award at the Institute of Civil Engineers honours.

This latest success comes just weeks after the Northshore scheme was given a major boost with the news that planning approval has been granted for the first phase of development.

The overall Northshore scheme has the potential to locate up to 4,500 new jobs as well as the homes. Future plans include the creation of new offices, shops, hotels, restaurants, bars, cafes`, leisure facilities and a new campus for the University of Durham.

For more media information, contact Ben Landon, Regional Communications Manager, on 0191 497 7685 or ben.landon@hca.gsx.gov.uk or Leanne English, Marketing Manager at Tees Valley Unlimited, on 01642 632 013, 07725 602 824 or email leanne.english@teesvalleyunlimited.gov.uk.

Ends

Notes to editors:

The Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) is the national housing and regeneration agency for England, which seeks to create high-quality sustainable places and improve quality of life for local people.

Tees Valley Unlimited (TVU) is a partnership between the five Tees Valley Councils, regional regeneration bodies and business leaders to drive forward the future development of the Tees Valley economy.

Further information on TVU activities can be accessed via the following URL: http://www.teesvalleyunlimited.gov.uk