David Oluwale Bridge
January 2024
PROJECT NEWS
David Oluwale Bridge
The David Oluwale Bridge in Leeds is a recently opened pedestrian and cycle bridge that crosses the city’s River Aire, providing a much-needed traffic-free connection from the city centre to Aire Park. Named in honour of the Nigerian-British citizen David Oluwale, who tragically drowned in the river in 1969 in a racially motivated incident, the bridge is symbolic of the city’s commitment to equality and the rich diversity that Leeds is proud to celebrate.
The project is a result of a joint venture between Mott MacDonald and BAM Nuttall on behalf of Leeds City Council. The original brief outlined the need for an aesthetically pleasing structure that provided safe access for all, day and night, without affecting the delicate local environment of the river.
Designers at Mott MacDonald worked closely with local accessibility groups and an ecology consultant to develop a solution that provided functional illumination while mitigating light spill into the river. The final design, which included the bridge and inclined ramps on either side, required a discreet lighting solution that offered a new user experience at night while disappearing during the day. A continuous, dual-sided handrail was also required along the length of the structure as part of the inclusive users access strategy.
To satisfy the challenging brief, the designers specified DW Windsor’s illuminated handrail system, Garda, to light the bridge and adjoining walkways. This was complemented by a series of lit glass balustrades adorned with a ‘dynamic flight’ motif featuring the iconic Leeds Owl in flight.
Garda combines style and performance to deliver the practicalities of a handrail with high-quality lighting. With four LED module options providing a range of light levels and colour temperatures, plus a choice of symmetric and asymmetric distributions, Garda was able to satisfy the demanding brief. In addition, as a DarkSky approved solution, Garda could operate within the ecological requirements of the area, ensuring the walkway was uniformly illuminated while avoiding glare and light spill into the surrounding areas.
The illuminated handrail was a vital element of the David Oluwale bridge, providing stability and structure for accessibility as well as illumination after dark. Garda met all the project requirements as it blends style with the practical elements you need from a handrail. By using low light levels and an asymmetric distribution, we were able to limit spill and minimise impact on local flora and fauna, including native bat species.
—David Anstee, Garda Technical Manager, DW Windsor
The bespoke solution was designed by DW Windsor’s in-house Garda team, who worked closely with the bridge’s designers to ensure the handrail would fit precisely within the structure when installed. The final handrail solution was constructed from stainless steel, selected for its excellent corrosion resistance and durability. The sections were cut, welded, and machine brushed on-site by DW Windsor’s expert team to deliver a seamless aesthetic without visible breaks while ensuring the highest quality finish.
David Anstee, Garda Technical Manager, said: “The illuminated handrail was a vital element of the David Oluwale bridge, providing stability and structure for accessibility as well as illumination after dark. Garda met all the project requirements as it blends style with the practical elements you need from a handrail. By using low light levels and an asymmetric distribution, we were able to limit spill and minimise impact on local flora and fauna, including native bat species.”
