Regeneration news
New pedestrian bridge adds twist to Royal Docks
Plans have been approved for an elegant new pedestrian and cycle bridge, that will revolutionise access across the Royal Docks, connecting Silvertown on the south side, with Custom House Elizabeth Line station and ExCeL on the north.
The bridge is part of the £5bn regeneration of Silvertown, a 60-acre historic site that is being revived and reimagined as a waterside destination to live, create work and play. But the bridge is more than just a convenient way to cross the docks – it's an architectural marvel, in its own right.
The new bridge will have a sleek, elegant design that skims across the water in a 'Double S-curve' shape, providing ample space for both cyclists and pedestrians. The zig-zag design creates a breath-taking crossing experience while allowing for seating areas where people can rest and take in views across the dock.
Ingeniously, the bridge will rise at a gentle incline across the water, letting small boats pass underneath. The bridge will also open at its mid-point with a double bascule mechanism, allowing large vessels to pass through.
This new bridge is key to unlocking the potential of the site, transforming the connectivity across the Royal Docks.
Lendlease’s project director for Silvertown, Ed Mayes
Architects Moxon say the bridge will serve over 3,000 people an hour at peak times – a flow that ‘far exceeds’ the capacity of the existing footbridge.
The plans, submitted by The Silvertown Partnership, are part of the exciting £5bn re-development of the Silvertown site, which when complete will feature around 6,500 new homes with 50% affordable housing, alongside a vibrant new centre for the Royal Docks.
The iconic Millennium Mills building, left derelict and largely disused for around 40 years, will be fully restored and form the centrepiece of the new community.
Newham Council have stated that approximately 35% of the construction staff hired to complete the bridge will be given to local residents.
The scheme will be partially funded by part of a £233 million loan from Homes England, provided to support the delivery of homes on the site.
The anticipated growth in the local population over the next decade, in Silvertown as well as surrounding developments, means a new step free pedestrian and cyclist crossing over the dock is essential.
It is one of the first major public benefits that the Silvertown regeneration will bring to the area, and will enable a free crossing of the dock, putting London’s West End within reach of Silvertown in just 20 minutes.
Lendlease’s project director for Silvertown, Ed Mayes, said: ‘This new bridge is key to unlocking the potential of the site, transforming the connectivity across the Royal Docks.’
‘The stunning design of the new bridge will elevate it as a gateway to Silvertown’s exciting new piece of the city, and provide car-free access for all, establishing the Royal Docks as a pleasurable place to live, work and play.’
The bridge is set to complete in 2025.
