First pictures of a new bridge over the River Wear have been released after the final section of steel beams was installed on Monday.

The last steel section of the New Wear Footbridge was installed on September 16. The new footbridge will connect the north and south banks of the River Wear.

(Image: Sunderland City Council)

The 105-metre span of steel beams completes the structural frame, allowing work to begin on fitting out the bridge.

The bridge connects the former Vaux Brewery site and the Sheepfolds, forming part of the £500million Riverside Sunderland development.

(Image: Sunderland City Council)

Sunderland Council say the bridge will enhance accessibility to the city centre and boost footfall.

The development will include a new central business district with over 1 million square feet of Grade A office space, 1,000 new homes, and various leisure facilities.

(Image: Sunderland City Council)

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A world-class Eye Hospital, the Housing & Innovation Construction Skills Academy (HICSA), Riverside Park, and Culture House are also under construction.

(Image: Sunderland City Council)

Councillor Kevin Johnston, portfolio holder for housing, regeneration, and business at Sunderland City Council, said: "The New Wear Footbridge is a key part of the Riverside Sunderland development which will absolutely transform this prime city centre site over the next decade.

(Image: Sunderland City Council)

"Bridging the Sheepfolds and the city centre, it will significantly improve accessibility to venues such as the Stadium of Light, and Sheepfolds Stables, while taking significant strain from the Wearmouth Bridge, which is one of the main transport arteries into the city."

Mike Rimmer, senior project manager at VolkerStevin, a leading civil engineering business, that has overseen the development and installation of the bridge, said: "It’s great to see the final section of bridge get lifted into place.

"This is a fantastic achievement for the whole team and a testament to the hard work, coordination and collaboration between our lifting and marine teams to ensure all the lifts could be completed successfully and safely."