Charlotte Fernández
UKIMEA Press Office,Leeds
The public consultation for the proposed ‘Garden Bridge’ across the River Thames in London launched today.
The newly appointed The Garden Bridge Trust will lead the public consultation, supported by Transport for London (TfL), and will run from 1 November 2013 to 20 December 2013.
The results of the consultation will inform the plans for the project prior to submission for planning approval in the first quarter of 2014. This process will highlight and address key considerations of the scheme, including the landscaping, materials used and its function.
Arup is the lead consultant on the project, covering all the key engineering aspects of the Garden Bridge, as well as environmental consultancy, transport planning, landscape design support and project management services. Arup is working closely with the designer Heatherwick Studio to create a new major pedestrian crossing above the River Thames and a stunning new public space for London, which has been inspired by Joanna Lumley.
“This is the first major milestone for the project and marks a very clear intent to create a new landmark for London. The scheme has been shaped and developed into a proposal that will contribute significantly to the future of London’s development and we are committed to ensuring The Garden Bridge will be something that London can be proud of. Our role is to take this project forward and to raise the necessary funds to build the bridge by the end of 2017.
Lord Mervyn Davies, Chairman of The Garden Bridge Trust
“The idea is simple; we’re trying to create a bridge that looks beautiful, is durable, is efficient to construct and will support a garden spanning the River Thames. This is not an easy feat and we’re working closely with Heatherwick Studio to ensure that the design and engineering work seamlessly together to create an ingenious result.
Tristram Carfrae, Project Director, Arup
The project now moves a crucial step closer with the launch of the Trust and the opening of a public consultation, before seeking planning approval early next year. It is estimated that construction of the Bridge would begin in 2015, with its completion scheduled for the end of 2017.
For more information, please visit the Garden Bridge website or if you would like to have your say on the Bridge go to the TfL consultation page.