Plans have been revealed for the construction of a new opening bridge across the River Thames. The bridge would enable pedestrians and cyclists to travel between the major business centre Canary Wharf and the residential area of Rotherhithe, located on a peninsula on the south bank of the Thames. London based architects reForm have designed the 184 metre bascule bridge to open in the centre. This would permit boats to pass through, similar to Tower Bridge which is located upstream.

This bridge will be unique as it will be the only dedicated pedestrian and cycle bridge to cross the river. Huge numbers of people travel to and from work by cycle or on foot every day, and those working at Canary Wharf currently have to tackle time-consuming detours. The intention of this bridge is to connect the financial and residential districts to ease the daily lives of the city’s commuters.

The design includes waiting areas at either end of the bridge to be used when it opens up to allow the passage of boats, and a five-metre wide track on each side for those riding their bikes and those travelling on foot. The central opening portion of the bridge would be supported by suspension cables connected to upright angled elements. These sections would pivot on their structural supports in the water, so the uprights would swing down into the gaps between the tracks.

The bridge will not only serve a functional purpose, but it will also stand as another globally recognisable landmark. Its elegant and unique form will also enhance the views across the Thames and become another attraction for visitors to the city.

As architects in London, we are dedicated to designing and developing architecture that responds to its setting, as this new bridge is designed to do. Hopefully the new development will achieve its purpose of making life simpler for the thousands of commuters who pass through this part of the capital every day.