Revitalisation project gets underway to mark 25 years of Iconic Lancaster Bridge

Lancaster’s iconic Lune Millennium Bridge is turning 25 today - and the milestone is being marked with a series of community activities and revitalisation works to celebrate the bridge’s heritage and its place as one of the city’s most popular walking and cycling routes.

The landmark structure, which opened in February 2001, is the largest element of the River Lune Millennium Park project – an initiative created as part of national celebrations to welcome the year 2000.

Last Friday, (February 13), pupils from Grosvenor Park School helped to launch the anniversary celebrations. They joined council officers to learn about local wildlife and ecology before rolling up their sleeves and getting stuck into litter picking and planting spring and summer bulbs along the route.

Improvements are also underway around the bridge, thanks to funding through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), including new lighting, cleaning the river bed from debris, weeding and vegetation trimming and seating improvements to create a more welcoming entrance into the city centre from the well‑used quayside cycle path, encourage active travel, and help residents and visitors discover the area’s rich and sometimes overlooked heritage.

Councillor Caroline Jackson, leader of Lancaster City Council, said: “A practical connection between city centre, quay and those living across the Lune, the bridge has since become a vital active‑travel link and an iconic part of Lancaster’s skyline.

“This anniversary project is a chance to improve the space for today’s users – whether they’re travelling to work, walking with family, or discovering the area’s industrial and maritime heritage.

“We’re delighted that schools, volunteers and community groups want to get onboard to help revitalise the popular quayside route and ensure it remains a safe, attractive and welcoming space for years to come.”

 

Last updated: 16 February 2026