Monk Bridge Viaduct
Location: Leeds
Architect: Sheppard Robson
Developer: MEPC
Construction: Wates
2023 - Text from Sheppard Robson
“Monk Bridge viaduct link provides access to Yorkshire’s first elevated urban park located on the recently refurbished Grade 2-listed viaduct.
Having been cut off from city life for over 40 years, the disused rail line has been replaced with a 450-metre-long urban park, nine meters above the river. The park was created by City Developments Ltd, and spans from Wellington Place to the Junction, a new waterside residential development.
Originally constructed in 1846 as part of the Leeds and Thirsk Railway, the Monk Bridge viaduct, situated in the Wellington Place neighbourhood and along the banks of the River Aire, holds significant architectural and historical interest.
Recently completed by Wates Construction, the weathered steel viaduct link is designed to respond to the site's historical and industrial context and incorporates an external stair, lift, and interconnecting viewing platform framing views over the city centre. As time passes, the large-framed structure will be embedded within the green setting by planting that will rise along the fine mesh on the side of the lift shaft.
We have designed several buildings within the Wellington Place masterplan for MEPC, including 3, 4, 7 + 8, and 9 Wellington Place - a highly sustainable building which recently received planning permission from Leeds City Council.”