Hull’s oldest bridge, Chapman Street Bridge – also known as Sculcoates Bridge – has been a familiar fixture in the city since it first opened in 1874. Now, this Grade II-listed swing bridge is in the midst of a major restoration effort.
Originally designed by district engineer J.F. Fox, Chapman Street Bridge was constructed by the Bridge and Roofing Company of Darleston at a cost of £18,000 – around £2.2 million today. Its design and construction aimed to create a reliable and practical crossing over the River Hull, with a manually operated swing mechanism enabling river traffic to pass. Today, the bridge stands as the last of its kind in Hull, symbolising a key piece of Victorian engineering in the city’s industrial history.
The bridge’s recent decline, however, meant that a large-scale restoration was crucial. In April 2020, the bridge was closed to vehicular traffic due to concerns about its structural integrity, although the north footpath has remained open to pedestrians. Hull City Council appointed Pell Frischmann to begin the restoration project, which started with an extensive feasibility study and structural surveys in 2022. These initial steps provided a detailed analysis of the bridge’s condition, paving the way for the current restoration work aimed at safeguarding the structure for at least another 50 years.
The Council anticipates that the bridge will reopen by the third quarter of 2025, although the timeline is subject to change given the project’s complexity.
