Tonkin Liu with Arup fought off a strong shortlist which included Atelier Zündel Cristea, Paris; Mott MacDonald with Moxon Architects, Altrincham and London and Wolfgang Buttress Studio with Toby Savage Design Limited and LDA Design, Stockport.

The site for the new bridge – The Meadows – covers around seven hectares and forms the northern section of the Irwell River Park (IRP) project.

The proposed new bridge aims to play a crucial role in connecting this important site to the new redevelopment of Salford Central including Chapel Street, which has recently undergone an award-winning transformation, neat the University of Salford, and the historic Peel Park.

"Tonkin Liu with Arup are worthy winners - their unique bridge is poetic, innovative and elegantly engineered with sinuous curves seamlessly linking the Meadows with the new public space to be created. Its sculptural qualities ensure it will be a joy to look at and to use, becoming an inspirational new urban marker for Salford."

Renato Benedetti, McDowell + Benedetti, RIBA Adviser