Name an iconic bridge over the Aire

British Waterways Yorkshire and Crosby Lend Lease, developers of the £250 million mixed-use scheme Clarence Dock, are launching a public competition today (Monday 1 October) to name the iconic bridge which spans the River Aire and the Aire and Calder Navigation near the Royal Armouries.

Local communities, schoolchildren and individuals are being invited to have their suggestion recorded for posterity on a plaque to be mounted on the bridge which provides a popular link to the City and the Armouries but which, to date, has not been given a name.

Hilary Benn, MP for Leeds Central and Secretary for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs will congratulate the winner, cut the ribbon and unveil the plaque on the bridge’s official opening on Friday, 2 November.

Striking piece of architecture

Laurence Morgan, General Manager, British Waterways Yorkshire commented: "This bridge is a striking piece of architecture which spans a historic waterway between our headquarters and the Royal Armouries, so it deserves to have a proper name allocated to it.

"We are delighted to launch this competition with Crosby Lend Lease, the owners of the bridge and are extremely honoured that Hilary Benn has agreed to be present at the official launch of this landmark so we hope that the competition will fire the imagination of the local communities."

Second bridge to be installed across the River Aire in the last 100 years

Simon Kidd, Commercial Lettings Director at Clarence Dock, said: "The bridge was one of three to be erected by us in 2005 as part of developing 1.2 million sq ft around Clarence Dock. It is only the second to be installed across the River Aire in the last 100 years and offers pedestrian and cyclist access from the city centre core to Clarence Dock. It seems fitting that the public should be offered the opportunity to name it and I look forward to seeing the entries."

Suggestions for the name of the bridge, together with a brief explanation as to why it is being chosen (up to maximum of 50 words), should be sent by the closing date of 5pm on Friday 26 October to editor@waterscape.com or by post to Lesley Grogan, British Waterways, Fearns Wharf, Neptune Street, Leeds, LS9 8PB.

A judging panel, made up of representatives from Crosby Lend Lease, British Waterways and Leeds City Council will decide on the best suggestion and notify the winner.

The winner should be available for the launch ceremony on Friday, 2 November at 10am.