Tourist Attractions in Newcastle and the North East
Millenium Bridge (known locally as the Blinking Eye Bridge)
The Millenium Bridge is the world's first tilting bridge and over the summer of 2008 the bridge will 'open' every day at 12 midday. If this is popular with visitors and tourists to the area, then it is hoped that the Millenium Bridge wil continue to tilt every day. (Up until now the Bridge has only opened when necessary to allow ships to pass underneath and visitors had no way of timing their visit to coincide with the spectacular sight).
History
The Millenium Bridge is the result of a competition launched by Gateshead Council in 1996 to design a pedestrian bridge over the River Tyne that would link Gateshead and Newcastle, allow ships to pass underneath and importantly not intrude on the already world famous bridges already crossing the Tyne.
The Millenium Bridge was designed by Wilkinson & eyre Architects and Gifford & Partners and chosen from a shortlist by local North East residents who were given the opportunity to vote for their favourite bridge.
Situated between The Sage Gateshead and The Baltic Art Gallery on the Gateshead side and the impressive Quayside development on the Newcastle side, the Millenium Bridge has proved extremely popular not only as a tourist attraction but also to locals.
If you would like to know more about the Gateshead Millenium Bridge and possible additional 'openings' then you can visit www.gateshead.gov.uk and click on the link to the Bridge.
Tourist Attractions in Newcastle and the North East from The Best of Newcastle
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