New London footbridge for Nine Elms

Designers from across the world have been invited to participate in a competition to create a new foot and cycle bridge across the River Thames.

The London borough of Wandsworth has launched the competition to design the new crossing that will link the rapidly growing Nine Elms district with the Pimlico embankment to the north.

The high profile jury panel that will select the winning design includes Wandsworth leader Ravi Govindia, Rogers Stirk Harbour partner Graham Stirk, engineer Henry Bardsley and Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment chair Pam Alexander.

The competition will include public exhibitions and engagement with local communities on both sides of the river.

A Transport for London feasibility study, completed in 2013, found a strong transport case for a new bridge at Nine Elms, which would provide pedestrians and cyclists with a car-free alternative to the neighbouring Chelsea or Vauxhall bridges.

Govindia, who is also co-chair of the Nine Elms Vauxhall Partnership, said: “This bridge has the potential to become an inspiring landmark, heralding the changes that are taking place south of the river and making vital connections to the north shore. The transport case is strong and this will be a valuable and sustainable addition to London’s transport infrastructure.

“This bridge needs to be designed to the highest quality standards: it must be inspiring, elegant and functional. The conundrum of creating a bridge that can be readily used by cyclists and pedestrians alike, that also provides adequate headroom for river traffic, is at the heart of the challenge.”