Bridging local communities with two new milestone infrastructure projects

Connecting and empowering communities is an integral part of the igloo approach to placemaking. In both Nottingham and Sunderland, we’ve been proud to do just that through the facilitation of new pedestrian and cycle bridges. Working alongside our partners, we’re enhancing city living by supporting vital new river crossings that improve accessibility and champion sustainable travel.

Guided by our Footprint® methodology, we always look for opportunities to create a positive, lasting impact in the areas of our developments. So, when plans emerged for two new bridges, getting involved was a no brainer!

Trent basin pedestrian and cycle bridge

At our Trent Basin community, the crossing is an 85-metre-long pedestrian and cycle bridge that will connect the city’s Waterside Regeneration area at Trent Basin with Lady Bay in Rushcliffe.

It marks a significant milestone as the first new river crossing in Nottingham since the 1950s – set to improve connectivity for residents and commuters, while also enhancing accessibility to the Hook nature reserve in Lady Bay. This means that Trent Basin residents, as well as the wider community in Nottingham, will have a safe and convenient pedestrian and cycle route to easily access this natural area.  

Led by Nottingham City Council and Rushcliffe Borough Council, Blueprint, managed by igloo for 25 years, played a key role in driving this project by providing the necessary access to the site for work to begin. Blueprint has also led the charge facilitating and supporting discussions with local groups, like the Trent Basin Residents Association and nearby neighbours to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum.  

The project is already underway with the completion of enabling works and on-site construction – with an official opening date set for mid-June.

New Wear Footbridge - Riverside Sunderland

As part of the wider Riverside Sunderland masterplan, developed in collaboration with Sunderland City Council and key partners, the masterplan enables the banks of the River Wear to be transformed into a vibrant, people‑centred neighbourhood.  

A major element of this regeneration is the New Wear Footbridge. A landmark structure spanning 250 metres tall, 10 metres wide and rising 30 metres above the river, the bridge connects the city centre with the Sheepfolds area - home to Sheepfolds Stables, as well as Sunderland AFC's Stadium of Light and the planned British Esports Association's UK Campus.

The bridge is designed to bring Sunderland’s communities closer together, creating new links between neighbourhoods as the wider masterplan progresses. This connectivity will support major developments, including the Housing Innovation and Construction Skills Academy (HICSA) and the new Eye Hospital.

Having opened to the public for use in the summer of 2025, the bridge’s 91 deck planks form the surface of the crossing, supporting the creation of a low carbon, active neighbourhood and strengthening connections across the river.  

Riverside Sunderland has already earned national recognition; named Best Place in Progress at the prestigious Pineapple Awards – part of the Festival of Place – which celebrates placemaking excellence across the UK.  

Building on this momentum, construction is underway on Vaux  one of four new residential communities at Riverside Sunderland. The housing development at Vaux will deliver 133 city centre homes, 34 of which igloo plus partners are delivering. 16 of those 34 homes will be innovative, highly sustainable properties inspired by our award-winning designs from the Government’s Home of 2030 design competition. The first phase on these homes will be completed in January 2027.  

Infrastructure that shapes better places

By unlocking new connections for pedestrians and cyclists, these bridges play a vital role in promoting healthier, more sustainable ways to move through our cities. They underpin our wider commitment to delivering high-quality, sustainable homes that place People, Place and Planet at the heart of design and decision-making. By putting long‑term social value, environmental responsibility and design excellence first, we are shaping thriving communities and future‑ready neighbourhoods.

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