The Leeds bridge that changed the city - and started life on a dining table

The bridge that transformed Leeds is looking better than ever - with a lick of paint

A pioneering Leeds landmark has been restored to its former glory as the city celebrates 400 years since receiving its first royal charter – with the bridge's original designer returning to reflect on the project that helped reshape the South Bank.

Paul Ellison, Co-Chair of The Quality Spaces and Places and Leeds Waterfront Group with Colin Harris, one of the original engineers who worked on the Centenary Bridge, in Leeds, in 1992. | James Hardisty

placeholder image — Paul Ellison, Co-Chair of The Quality Spaces and Places and Leeds Waterfront Group with Colin Harris, one of the original engineers who worked on the Centenary Bridge, in Leeds, in 1992. | James Hardisty

Centenary Bridge, which spans the River Aire between The Calls and Brewery Wharf, has been spruced up in time for the landmark anniversary.

Originally constructed in 1993, at that time the bridge was the first river crossing built in the city for more than a century, and its distinctive sweeping design has since become a much-loved riverside feature.

Over the past few months, officers from Leeds City Council have been using specialist equipment to fully repaint the bridge, working through the day and overnight to bring it back to its best.

Colin Harris, one of the original engineers who worked on the Centenary Bridge, in Leeds, in 1992, with Paul Ellison, Co-Chair of The Quality Spaces and Places and Leeds Waterfront Group. | James Hardisty

And this week, Colin Harris, the bridge’s original designer, visited the site to get an up-close look at their work and reminisce about his role in bringing the project to life.

Mr Harris, a University of Leeds civil engineering graduate, had worked on projects around the world before returning to Leeds in 1989 to lead a new office for Arup in what was the Design Innovation Centre, close to the site of what would be Centenary Bridge.

Tasked with developing proposals for the bridge he worked on the concept sketches of this eye catching new cable stayed design at his dining table using a drawing pin and a piece of string.

Mr Harris said: “It was a seminal project for us and for the city at that time. I’d worked on major projects before, but the opportunity to come back to Leeds and work on a bridge like this was just magical and something I’m still so proud of to this day.

“The challenge of using one huge crane to support the bridge’s frame while using a second to thread the deck through and manoeuvre the whole structure onto the bearings was particularly memorable and we only achieved it thanks to the expertise of everyone involved.”

Originally commissioned to mark 100 years since Leeds was granted incorporated city status in 1893, Centenary Bridge was completed at a cost of around £600,000.

Approximately 18 metres tall and 43 metres long, today the bridge is a key pedestrian link to Brewery Wharf and onwards to Aire Park.

Mr Harris added: “There was huge pride from the whole team in the finished bridge and as a Leeds graduate, it was wonderful for me to have had the chance to design something which has helped transform part of Leeds.”

Coun Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for economy, said: “Leeds is a city full of fascinating landmarks, both modern and historic, and each one has its own unique story to explore.

“It’s wonderful that during this very special year, we’ve been able to bring Centenary Bridge back to its best and that the project has given us the opportunity to rediscover the story behind a project which played an early role in sparking the regeneration of the South Bank.”