Keel Crossing

Knight Architects led the detailed architectural design of the new £31m pedestrian and cycle crossing, connecting both sides of the River Wear at Riverside Sunderland – a sustainable new urban quarter.

The design team focused on encouraging maximum active mobility in and around the city’s riverside setting by carefully considering the user experience of the bridge in its surroundings. Priorities included inclusive and accessible design; integration with new areas of public realm either side of the River Wear; and a design which compliments the historic surroundings of the adjacent Wearmouth and Monkwearmouth bridges.

The new structure is a central part of Sunderland’s revitalised Riverside Park and provides Riverside Sunderland with key connectivity between new neighbourhoods and the civic centre, as well as access to the biodiverse green and blue spaces of the riverside.

The crossing establishes a vital link between Keel Square and the Stadium of Light, on the axis of the Keel Line public artwork, carrying fans of football and music events to this iconic stadium. The design uses creative lighting to create engaging interactive experiences for those who cross the bridge, bringing to life the city’s digital ambitions. The bridge has even inspired Sunderland AFC, with bridge-inspired patterns and slogans woven into the football kit!