A SWEEPING double-arched design by Spence Associates has been selected for the new crossing of the River Tees at Northbank, Stockton.

The new pedestrian and cycle bridge - bridge C as it was known during public consultation - will, according to the panel which made the selection, "provide a prestigious and distinctive landmark in line with the ambitious development proposals for the site."

Five designs were shortlisted for the Royal Institute of British Architecture competition.

The panel said that, although all had great merit, it came down to a straight choice between the winner and bridge D, which polled the most public votes.

A total of 4,024 votes were cast, with the result as follows: bridge D, 1,532 votes; bridge C, 911; bridge B, 883; bridge A, 458; and bridge E, 240.

Joe Docherty, chief executive of Tees Valley Regeneration and one of the project board members who made the decision, said: "Clearly there were three very popular choices that struck a chord with local people and, as promised, we took those views very seriously.

"This made it an extremely difficult choice, but we simply could not overlook key issues such as originality and particularly engineering and maintenance costs. When these were considered, bridge C was a clear overall winner."

He added: "We would like to thank everyone who took the time and trouble to cast their votes. I can assure them that played a significant part in the decision and I believe we have a design which will excite the senses, be a talking point and make a very positive statement for the Tees Valley."

Other representatives were from English Partnerships, One North-East and Stockton Borough Council. Construction consultants White Young Green provided technical expertise and RIBA, which managed the design competition, was also there.

Five of the world's leading architects were shortlisted for the project. In addition to Spence Associates they were Future Systems, Glenn Howells, Lifschutz Davidson and Wilkinson Eyre.

Stephen Spence said: "We are delighted to have been selected for this project. We have been impressed from the outset by the vision for the redevelopment at Northbank and believe our design will play its part in putting the area firmly on the national and international map."

The bridge, designed with support from structural engineers Expedition, will form part of the transformation of the 60-acre former industrial site, where landowner English Partnerships has spent £5m on reclamation.

Detailed designs for the £4m bridge project are now to be drawn up and it is hoped the construction contract will be awarded in the new year.

The work will pave the way for massive redevelopment expected to attract £120m of private sector investment in a research-based business and education park, a new hotel, restaurants, modern waterfront homes and public open space, with riverside footpaths and cycleways.

Area director for English Partnerships, David Carr, said: "With Northbank being one of our strategic projects, we were exceptionally pleased at the local response to the competition.

"The chosen design will be iconic and a catalyst for the site's redevelopment future."

Alistair Arkley, One North-East board member and chairman of Tees Valley Partnership, added: "I am looking forward to seeing the detail of the design and hope that the Northbank Bridge will become a positive symbol for the Tees Valley."