The new Bridging the Tamar Visitor and Learning Centre which tells the story of the iconic Tamar Bridge and Royal Albert Bridge has opened to the public.

The new Centre, which adjoins the Tamar Bridge Office, celebrates the engineering legacy of the historic bridges, bringing them to life through interactive exhibitions and hands on activities.

Open daily to the public between 10 am and 4pm (including weekends), a team of enthusiastic local volunteers are on hand to answer questions and provide guided tours of the bridge. Entrance to the Centre is free of charge.

The space has been designed around a Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics (STEAM) theme as part of a wider programme to encourage young people to consider future careers in this sector. Staff from Tamar Crossings have worked closely with local partners, including schools, universities and community organisations, to develop a learning and events programme with a range of workshops and bridge building activities for young people.

The Centre opened its doors to visitors at the end of last week, ahead of a formal opening event on June 21.

“The bridges have played an historic role in linking Devon and Cornwall and our new Visitor and Learning Centre reflects this heritage“ said David List, General Manager of the Tamar Crossings.

“As well as learning about history and construction of the bridges, visitors can also see how we manage and monitor the road bridge, the Saltash Tunnel and the tolling system to keep traffic moving smoothly across the river.”

As part of the official opening of the Centre in June members of the public are being offered a rare opportunity to climb the Tamar Bridge towers and experience the stunning panoramic views over the river.

There are two opportunities to gain a place on the tour of the towers: applying for a place via an open ballot or entering an image in a special photography competition.

Entries for the ballot need to be submitted at http://www.bridgingthetamar.org.uk/ before 31 May. More than 160 people have already submitted applications for the ballot so make sure you don’t miss out.

Entries for the photographic competition, which will be independently judged by the Saltash and District Camera Club, also need to be submitted at http://www.bridgingthetamar.org.uk/ before 31 May. Judges will be looking for a photo which captures the Tamar Bridge or the Royal Albert Bridge and will reflect the STEAM theme.

The Centre has been funded largely by a £272,700 grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, with the Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry Joint Committee providing the remaining 25 per cent of the cost.