The proposed design for pedestrian bridge over the River Thames between Temple Station and Queen’s Walk on the South Bank is a product of a joint collaboration between Heatherwick Studio, Dan Pearson Studio and Arup.
The government will provide £30m funding for the bridge as part of the National Infrastructure Plan
Nearly half of the £150 million needed for the completion of the project had already been raised through private donations and a £4 million investment from Transport for London.
Chancellor George Osborne commented on the scheme: “The proposed Garden Bridge will bring a new kind of public space into the centre of our capital city, attracting visitors from across the globe and showcasing the best in British design, creativity and engineering. As well as encouraging other economic development, both north and south of the river, this money will help encourage private donations to fund the rest of the bridge itself.”
Mervyn Davies, chairman of the Garden Bridge Trust, said: ‘We are delighted and grateful for this welcome contribution which will play a significant role in turning the vision to build the country’s first garden bridge into a reality. The Garden Bridge will be an exciting landmark and a major new river crossing for London, linking the South Bank with the Strand and offering a quiet and beautiful way to cross the Thames.
“We will begin an active fundraising campaign next year to build on this very clear demonstration of support and confidence in the project.”
According to preliminary estimates, the project could be completed by 2017.
Photo: Independent
