News and Events

Inspirational vision to Bridge East London’

Get in touch
Charlotte S Charlotte Fernández UKIMEA Press Office,Leeds
30 June 2014

On the 120th anniversary of the completion of Tower Bridge, a stunning image of the future for east and south east London has been unveiled.

The concept, called ‘Bridge East London’, is an exciting vision for a new bridge would help transform leisure and business travel, and enhance life in the east of the capital. It suggests a new road bridge over the River Thames, linking Beckton and Thamesmead at Gallions Reach.

The proposed bridge would allow clear passage for ships and takes into account aircraft taking off or landing at City Airport. It would also provide a much needed link for cyclists, who will be able to enjoy a segregated cycle path, and open up new bus routes crossing the river.

The idea has been created by Arup, alongside internationally renowned architects HOK, and it is hoped that the vision of a new bridge will help inspire all Londoners, whether business leaders, politicians, residents or commuters, to back the ‘Bridge East London’ campaign, launched by London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), in response to the current dearth of road crossings at the eastern stretch of the Thames.

“

Nearly half of London’s population lives east of Tower Bridge yet they are served by only two fixed road river crossings. It is an area with huge amounts of potential and while the Olympics acted as a crucible for creativity and dynamism in the area, its future growth is being held back by this gap in transport infrastructure. ” Colin Stanbridge Chief Executive, LCCI

“

London’s infrastructure is already under pressure and as the city’s population continues to grow it is more important than ever that we provide better accessibility and connectivity to integrate communities. Infrastructure projects such as Crossrail are going a long way to help increase capacity but this proposed bridge could provide a much needed link for east London. ”

“

If the full potential of east London is to be harnessed and maximised to the benefit of our growing city, then we need to provide catalysts to enable that potential to flourish. Improving connectivity and accessibility is a key element of this regenerative process, and we strongly believe that a new bridge in this location will act as a powerful stimulant to growth, the strengthening of local communities and businesses, and the enhancement of the local environment. ” Richard Gammon HOK’s Global Director, Aviation + Transportation

 For more information about the proposed bridge and to sign the petition, please visit the LCCI website.