Connecting fans and their city: Keel Crossing’s matchday debut

Rugby fans - and the Knight Architects team - were some of the first people to experience the new Keel Crossing in Sunderland as the Stadium of Light hosted the opening match of the Women’s Rugby World Cup on 22 August.

Temporarily opened for the international sporting fixture, the new bridge over the River Wear establishes a vital pedestrian and cycle link between Keel Square in the city centre and the new Sheepfolds neighbourhood.

Seeing the bridge play its role in such a fantastic sporting event was a proud moment for the whole design team, and especially Simon Harker and Filip Wojtasik who shared the space with enthusiastic fans and locals alike. Combined with Sunderland AFC's winning return to the Premier League, the Keel Crossing is fast developing a strong local identity. 

As Cllr Michael Mordey, leader of Sunderland City Council, observed: "This crossing has come to represent the sense of renewed positivity and optimism that is growing in Sunderland right now."

The bridge is now closed to allow the final phase of cosmetic works to be completed before it is officially opened for day-to-day use this autumn.

Congratulations to the Red Roses who started their campaign with a win against the USA! 

Related project: Keel Crossing