Plans for a new road bridge over the River Thames that would link Beckton and Thamesmead at Gallions Reach have been unveiled.
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 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 internationally renowned architects HOK, who recently completed the design for the interior of the BBC's New Broadcasting House and the design of The Francis Crick Institute, alongside world class engineering and design consultants at Arup, the firm that brought to life global landmarks including the Sydney Opera House, Singapore's Helix Bridge and High Speed One.
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.
Colin Stanbridge, chief executive of LCCI, said: "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.
"New road river crossings linking east and south east London over the Thames will bring new jobs and homes to an area of the capital that has been overlooked for too long."
Richard Gammon, HOK's global director, aviation and transportation, added: "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."
