An Infinitely Fitting Name

An Infinitely Fitting Name

Tees Valley’s newest landmark stands bold and proud, across the River Tees, as project partners revealed the name of Stockton’s North Shore footbridge as... Infinity Bridge. 

The UK’s largest mobile crane was required to lift the large arch into place alongside the smaller sister arch as the complex jigsaw continues to come together. The distinctively designed curve of the footbridge now creates a unique reflection in the River Tees, forming the mathematical symbol for infinity and lending itself to the name.

Joe Docherty, chief executive of Tees Valley Regeneration explained:

“Infinity Bridge is set to become another symbol of the North East’s transformation and a picture postcard image that represents the regeneration of the Tees Valley. Infinity says without boundaries; strength with no limits and I believe that’s true for North Shore, for Stockton, and for the whole of the Tees Valley.

“What is more, due to the design and mirror image on the water, you simply have to look at the footbridge spanning the River Tees to see the name there before you.”

The name was selected by a panel of representatives from Tees Valley Regeneration, Stockton Borough Council, English Partnerships and One NorthEast, from those submitted by members of the public.

Cllr Bob Cook, Stockton Council’s Cabinet member for Regeneration and Transport said:

“We are very grateful to everyone who submitted a name – of which there were many. Some suggestions looked to remember Stockton’s heritage and the people who have shaped the Tees Valley; others looked to the future, what is to come and what we are achieving.T“Above all, we wanted a name that would honour this fantastic footbridge and make people proud.”

Infinity Bridge is funded by Stockton Borough Council, English Partnerships, One NorthEast and the European Regional Development Fund. The original concept was by Expedition Engineering and Spence Associates. Chris Wise led the Expedition team on the engineering design and development. He commented:

“I love the idea that the name was invented in Stockton and not by some alien branding consultant. ‘Infinity’ is both complex and truly simple; poetic, scientific, uplifting, precise and mystical. To realise that from the shape of the bridge and its reflection in the water shows great perception.

“I hope many will enjoy the simple pure expression of everything the bridge is about for many, many years to come.”

David Fionda, Operations Director at Durham University’s Queen’s Campus said:

“The bridge is a fantastic landmark for all our students and staff at Durham University’s Queen’s Campus and this is a fitting name reflecting the plans and hopes for this part of the Tees Valley.”

Steve Gawthorpe, Area Director of English Partnerships the national regeneration agency said:

“This bridge is another visible step in the transformation of the Tees Valley, linking the existing developments at Teesdale and the University to the North Shore site. We are very proud that our funding has helped deliver such a beautiful and important piece of engineering to connect these current and future communities of the Tees Valley.”

Alastair Haworth, One NorthEast’s property senior specialist, said:

“The name of the bridge really epitomises the aspirations and future possibilities not only in Stockton but across the Tees Valley.”