Bridges Over Thriving Water - March 2015

The story of London is intimately connected with bridges. Even before the Roman conquest, providing the only major crossing of the Thames ensured that the city thrived. It was, no doubt, the hope of tapping some of this heritage that led an American oilman to buy one edition of London Bridge and reassemble it halfway around the world in Arizona.

News bridges over thriving battersea and nine elms

Thankfully, the years have seen the number of bridges over the Thames multiply. But it is certain that still more are needed: the ability to cross the river by foot, bicycle or car remains central to the economic and cultural life of London.

If any doubts remain about Battersea and Nine Elms being the most dynamic area in London, two bridge-building projects designed to meet this need ought to go some way to dispelling them.To the West, Battersea Town Centre and Chelsea Harbour will be joined by the Diamond Jubilee Bridge, which has already been designed and approved. In the East, the starting pistol has just been fired on the design contest for a pedestrian and cycle crossing to link Nine Elms and Pimlico.The stunning designs proposed for the Nine Elms to Pimlico bridge seem to confirm the budding identity of the newly redeveloped area: local community at the heart of the city all pulled off with cutting-edge style.

(image source: Wandsworth council)



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