Tyne bridges 240522 4340
The Tyne bridges between Newcastle and Gateshead.
The Gateshead Millennium Bridge is a pedestrian and cycle bridge that links the Newcastle Quayside with Gateshead, sited here specifically to provide access to The Baltic (seen here) and the Sage Gateshead, out of shot to the right. The bridge was opened to the public on 17 September 2001. The main structures are steel, with a parabolic arch (matching the Tyne Bridge behind the camera) supporting a deck that is stabilised by 18 suspension cables.
It was the first (two of very different design were opened in Belgium in 2011) tilting bridge in the world and, when tilited, gives a clearance above high water level of 25 metres / 82 feet. The design is very energy efficient during tilting, a process that takes around four minutes. An interesting feature is that it is self-cleaning as, when tilting, any loose material will roll down to traps at either end. Due to the way it opens and closes, it is often referred to as the Blinking or Winking Eye.
The Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, opened in 2002 in a former Rank Hovis flour mill that was in operation from 1950-1984. This is the largest surviving brick building in the area, and when built provided a template for many other Rank Hovis Mills.
Tyne bridges 240522 4340
The Tyne bridges between Newcastle and Gateshead.
The Gateshead Millennium Bridge is a pedestrian and cycle bridge that links the Newcastle Quayside with Gateshead, sited here specifically to provide access to The Baltic (seen here) and the Sage Gateshead, out of shot to the right. The bridge was opened to the public on 17 September 2001. The main structures are steel, with a parabolic arch (matching the Tyne Bridge behind the camera) supporting a deck that is stabilised by 18 suspension cables.
It was the first (two of very different design were opened in Belgium in 2011) tilting bridge in the world and, when tilited, gives a clearance above high water level of 25 metres / 82 feet. The design is very energy efficient during tilting, a process that takes around four minutes. An interesting feature is that it is self-cleaning as, when tilting, any loose material will roll down to traps at either end. Due to the way it opens and closes, it is often referred to as the Blinking or Winking Eye.
The Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, opened in 2002 in a former Rank Hovis flour mill that was in operation from 1950-1984. This is the largest surviving brick building in the area, and when built provided a template for many other Rank Hovis Mills.