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David Oluwale Bridge (2023)
The David Oluwale Bridge is the newest of the bridges on our tour. Opened in January 2023, it directly connects Sovereign Street and Meadow Lane, via Water Lane. It enables pedestrian and cycle access to the City Centre and Railway Station from the new developments and green spaces delivered by the South Bank regeneration project, notably the Aire Park complex.
Initial planning documents name the bridge as Sovereign Bridge, however it was subsequently named to commemorate the life of David Oluwale, a British Nigerian who migrated to the UK in 1949. A homeless man who struggled with mental health, he was systematically and brutally targeted by Leeds City Police. He tragically drowned in the river in April 1969 in a racially-motivated incident which led to two police officers being jailed. His legacy inspired a number of books, plays and more recently a blue plaque commissioned by Leeds Civic Trust which was installed on Leeds Bridge in 2022.
The bridge sits at a stylish 20 degree angle to the riverbank and the laminated glass balustrades are adorned with owls – notably barn owls, not the iconic long-eared Leeds owl. The glass is equipped with specialist LED lighting, allowing many combinations of colours, making for a spectacular night time display.
Across Meadow Lane is the gateway to Aire Park, one of the largest urban green spaces in the north of England, built on the site of the old Tetley’s Brewery. Visitors are greeted by a tall colourful sculpture by artist Yinka Shonibare, entitled Hibiscus Rising. It was unveiled in November 2023 by Remember Oluwale, the David Oluwale Memorial Association, and serves as a focal point for reflection and hope.
