Centenary Bridge Restored to Mark Leeds 400 Celebration

Historic city centre bridge receives repainting as part of Leeds 400 events

Leeds City Council has completed a restoration project on Centenary Bridge, a notable pedestrian crossing over the River Aire, as part of the city’s 400th anniversary celebrations. The work involved repainting the bridge to preserve its appearance and maintain its status as a key feature linking The Calls and Brewery Wharf.

Background and significance of Centenary Bridge

Centenary Bridge was originally constructed in 1993 to mark 100 years since Leeds was granted incorporated city status in 1893. At the time, it was the first new river crossing in Leeds for over a century. The bridge’s distinctive cable-stayed design, approximately 18 metres tall and 43 metres long, has become an important pedestrian route connecting Brewery Wharf and the surrounding areas, including Aire Park.

The project was led by Colin Harris, a civil engineering graduate from the University of Leeds and the bridge’s original designer. Mr Harris returned to Leeds in 1989 to head a new office for Arup near the bridge site. He developed the concept sketches using simple tools such as a drawing pin and string at his dining table.

Mr Harris reflected on the project, noting the technical challenges involved in the construction, including the use of two large cranes to position the bridge’s frame and deck. The bridge was completed at a cost of around £600,000 and has since become a well-known riverside landmark.

Repainting and restoration work

• The repainting was carried out by Leeds City Council officers using specialist elevated platforms to access all parts of the structure.
• The work took place over several months, including day and night shifts, to ensure minimal disruption.
• The restoration forms part of the wider Leeds 400 programme, which commemorates the city’s first royal charter granted by King Charles I in 1626.

Community and cultural context

Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for economy, highlighted the importance of landmarks like Centenary Bridge in telling the story of Leeds’ development. The bridge is seen as an early catalyst for regeneration in the South Bank area, which now hosts bars, offices, and the base of Channel 4 News.

In addition to Centenary Bridge, the city recently opened the David Oluwale Bridge in 2023, which also spans the River Aire and symbolises connections between Leeds’ past, present, and future.

Further information

Details about the Leeds 400 celebrations and related events can be found on the official Leeds 400 website: Welcome to Leeds 400 – A Year of Celebration.