Transporter bridge in top 10 endangered list

The Tees Transporter bridge, which has been closed since 2019 due to structural concerns, has been added to a list of endangered buildings.

The Grade II listed structure opened in 1911 to carry workers and goods across the river without obstructing shipping lanes on the River Tees between Stockton and Middlesbrough.

The Victorian Society, which campaigns to preserve Victorian and Edwardian heritage, is calling for coordinated, national action to secure its future as either a functioning crossing or a conserved monument.

Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke said the local authority had assessed the options and was "committed to doing everything possible to restore the bridge".

He said: "As you would expect with a structure of its age and complexity, the bridge is showing signs of wear and tear, and any repair and restoration will be complex and costly.

"What we need now is certainty around funding so that the bridge can continue to be part of who we are for generations to come."

The bridge is jointly owned by Middlesbrough and Stockton local authorities, with Middlesbrough Council taking responsibility for managing it.

Northern and Welsh conservation advisor for the Victorian Society, Thomas Ollivier, said it was of "national significance" and called for a "knight in shining armour" to save the landmark.

"The obvious comparison would be Tower Bridge in London, if that was in this horrendous condition we wouldn't just knock it down, it's a national symbol," he said.

He also said if the structure was anywhere other than Middlesbrough "we would not be having this conversation".

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said the bridge was "one of the most recognisable landmarks in the country" and under an agreement with the councils and the Tees Valley Combined Authority, £30m had been allocated for "essential repairs".

"It's clear that additional funding will be required and we will therefore continue to work closely with both local authorities on how best to secure its future," he said.

While operational, it was the largest working transporter bridge in the world and could carry people and vehicles across the Tees in just 90 seconds between Middlesbrough and Port Clarence - allowing boats to sail up and down the river.

It has featured in films and TV programmes, including 1980s BBC drama Auf Wiedersehen, Pet, and had recently been used as a site for extreme sports.

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