Memories of a pioneering Leeds landmark have been revived as part of a historic restoration project marking a major milestone in the city’s history.
Centenary Bridge, which crosses the River Aire between The Calls and Brewery Wharf, has been refurbished as Leeds commemorates 400 years since it was granted its first royal charter by King Charles I. Built in 1993, the bridge was the first new river crossing to be constructed in the city for more than a century. Its distinctive sweeping design has since become a familiar and much-loved feature of the Leeds waterfront.
Over recent months, Leeds City Council officers have used specialist equipment to repaint Centenary Bridge, working during the day and overnight to restore the landmark to its former condition. The bridge’s original designer, Colin Harris, returned to the site to view the restoration work and recall his role in creating the landmark.
A civil engineering graduate of the University of Leeds, Mr Harris had worked on major projects around the world before returning to the city in 1989. He came back to establish a new Arup office at the former Design Innovation Centre, close to the site where Centenary Bridge would later be built.
Tasked with developing proposals for the bridge, he produced the first concept sketches for its striking cable-stayed design at his dining table, using only a drawing pin and a length of string.
The bridge’s original designer, Colin 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 commemorate the centenary of Leeds gaining city status in 1893, Centenary Bridge was completed at a cost of approximately £600,000. Standing around 18 metres high and stretching 43 metres across the River Aire, the bridge now provides a vital pedestrian route to Brewery Wharf and Aire Park. The surrounding area is home to a mix of bars and offices, as well as Channel 4’s Leeds base.
Mr Colin 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.
“The area around it has changed a lot in the intervening years but the bridge has stood the test of time and seeing it in the background on the news every night always brings back good memories.”
The repainting work was carried out by Leeds City Council, with officers using a high-tech elevated platform to access the bridge’s highest points. The restoration forms part of Leeds 400, a city-wide programme marking 400 years since King Charles I granted Leeds its first city charter in 1626.
Councillor 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 bridge which played an early role in sparking the regeneration of the South Bank.”
Since Centenary Bridge opened, another notable crossing has been added to the city’s waterfront. The David Oluwale Bridge, which honours his legacy, opened in 2023. Spanning the River Aire between Sovereign Street and Water Lane, the bridge was hailed as a symbolic link between Leeds’ past, present and future.
More information about Leeds 400 and the events programme can also be found at Welcome to Leeds 400 – A Year of Celebration | Culture Programmes
