The Lord Mayor of Kingston upon Hull and Admiral of the Humber, Councillor Nadine Fudge, officially opened the footbridge with the unveiling of a plaque and ribbon cutting with Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) Area Manager Jacquie Boulton.
The footbridge, connecting Scale Lane with Tower Street, is the twelfth moving bridge across the River Hull and was opened for use on 12 June.
The formal launch saw the sound and light experience on the footbridge begin which includes bird song as the bridge remains closed; when it is to open for shipping, people will hear ships bells chiming to warn visitors that the bridge is moving. This soundscape was created by artist Nayan Kulkarni.
Not only will the bridge open for shipping movements, there will also be set times when people can experience a ‘ride’ on this unusual bridge - such as bank holidays and weekends.
The Lord Mayor said: “It’s an honour to open this unique footbridge on behalf of the city, which links the Old Town to the east banks of Hull. Our Old Town has wonderful museums and attractions and it’s great that we’re able to add another experience for people to enjoy.
"Hull’s strong maritime history is echoed in the ships bells ringing as the bridge opens and we should be proud that we are continuing to reflect on our heritage."
Designed by international architects McDowell and Benedetti and built in Barnsley by Yorkshire engineers Qualter Hall, the bridge has been constructed in sections and fitted together like a jigsaw. The bridge works like a giant pinball flipper, rotating on a ball through 90 degrees to allow river traffic through.
Jacquie Boulton, HCA Area Manager said: "The opening of this bridge gives the city an excellent opportunity to connect the east bank of the river to the city centre creating opportunities for new economic development. It is great that we have been able to work with our partners to create a bridge that is not only useful to local residents and visitors to the city but is also such a fantastic design."
In the public garden in front of the bridge on Scale Lane is artwork named ‘From Mizzen Mast to Sandstroke’, also created by Nayan Kulkarni working in collaboration with artist Shauna McMullan. The work maps out a sailing ship in words and bronze lines and represents Hull’s close relationship with water and maritime history.
The footbridge links some of Hull’s most popular cultural attractions; the Museums Quarter on High street and The Deep at Sammy’s Point.