Monday 30 June, 2014

Inspirational vision to 'Bridge East London'

On the 120th anniversary of the completion of Tower Bridge, a stunning image of the future for east and south east London was unveiled today with an exciting vision for a new bridge that would help transform leisure and business travel, and enhance life in the east of the capital.

The concept, called 'Bridge East London', 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 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.

"We know that the Mayor shares our enthusiasm for helping the east of the capital to maximise its exciting reinvention. The area is currently attracting the worlds brightest and best whether to the financial heartland of Canary Wharf, the Royal Docks development or the high-tech firms flocking to Silicon Roundabout in Shoreditch.

"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 + Transportation, said: "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"

Stephanos Samaras, Director at Arup said: "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."

To support the call for a new bridge, please sign the LCCI petition at www.londonchamber.co.uk/bridgeeastlondon

ENDS

Media contact:
Nicola Dowlen
T: +44 (0)20 7203 1897
M: +44 (0)7827 241528
E: ndowlen@londonchamber.co.uk

NOTES TO EDITOR:

1. London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) is the capital's largest and most representative business organisation, with members ranging in size from multi-national companies to SMEs and sole traders.
2. Colin Stanbridge is available for further comment and interview.
3. HOK is one of the world's most influential architectural design firms. We are guided by a singular mission to enrich people's lives through innovative and thoughtful design, and continue to be successful by serving clients with design excellence, thought leadership and global reach
4. Arup is the creative force at the heart of many of the world's most prominent projects in the built environment and across industry. We offer a broad range of professional services that combine to make a real difference to our clients and the communities in which we work.