Bridge with links to regatta to be rebuilt

The current bridge will be removed next year, the council said

A historic bridge with links to a city's regatta is to rebuilt.

Baths Bridge, in Durham City, is expected to be replaced with a new structure by spring 2027 after the project received £7.5m.

The crossing connects Pelaw Leazes Lane and Elvet Waterside and was the site of Durham Regatta's commentary box until about five years ago.

Chairman Michael Laing said he was looking forward to the box being back in place.

The funding includes £6.2m from the North East Combined Authority (NECA) and £1.3m from the Consolidated Active Travel Fund to improve links and connections either side of the bridge.

Mr Laing said that when the box was in place it was a "sign to the city" the regatta was taking place.

"Baths Bridge has always been used by us.

"It's been part of the living history of the regatta for the best part of a hundred years," he said.

There has been a bridge on the site since the 1800s.

The original structure was replaced in 1898 and again in the 1960s - when the current bridge was constructed.

The current Baths Bridge structure dates to the 1960s

Durham County Council said design work for the new crossing was already under way.

A planning application to remove the existing bridge and build a new one is expected early next year.

The Reform-led local authority said it hoped the work would start in late summer 2026.

Councillor Tim McGuinness, cabinet member for rural, farming and transport, said he was "pleased" to receive the funding, which would "protect this vital, and historic, connection in Durham City for future generations".

North East Mayor Kim McGuinness, said: "I know it's so important to local people and I'm pleased we can help to allow Baths Bridge to remain an important part of the history of Durham."