Local architect one-world design has applied for planning permission for a new pedestrian and cycle bridge which would link Fulham and Battersea.

The application comes after the company announced earlier this year there was growing support for the bridge, which it calls the Jubilee Footbridge, after it presented its proposal to a group of planners and politicians.

The bridge would run alongside the railway bridge which links Imperial Wharf and Battersea on its western side.

A footbridge by the side of the railway bridge has been proposed in the past, as there is a long gap between Wandsworth and Battersea Bridges without any direct cross river access, but these were never taken any further.

Now however, Chris Medland, director of one-world design,which is based in Plantation Wharf in Battersea, close to the southern end of the proposed bridge, says: "Our proposal for the new pedestrian and cycle bridge, that will provide a much needed link across the Thames between Fulham and Battersea, has been submitted for full planning permission.

"The proposal has been developed over the past 12 months in consultation with both local authorities and is designed to accommodate all the consultees' considerations whilst maintaining a vigour to the design that celebrates the journey across the Thames.

" The design team, led by one-world design, includes Expedition Engineering (designers of the Olympic Velodrome and the Thames Cable car), Beckett Rankine (advisors on the London Eye, Cadogan pier and many others), RPS environmental consultants, Thompson Ecology and Oxford Archaeology.

" The proposed bridge is both respectful of its context, maintaining views of the listed railway bridge, and exciting in its form. Images and an animation are available on one-world design’s website.

" Progress can be followed by liking our facebook page."

Chris adds: " Given the clear benefits that this bridge will provide residents and businesses on both sides of the river we hope that you will support this application and, if appropriate, provide written support backing the proposal to the local planning authorities either through their websites or by post.

" The LB Hammersmith & Fulham planning reference is 2012/03582/FUL, the LB Wandsworth reference is to be confirmed."

The proposal has been praised by Richard Tracey, Wandsworth's London Assembly member, who says: "I think this is a very good idea and the council are in favour in principle. The footbridge would mean cyclists and pedstrians would not have to use Wandsworth road bridge. It is also a beautiful structure."

One-world design are hoping the £22 million cost of building the bridge can be raised through corporate sponsorship in exchange for naming rights and for the bridge to be gifted to London at no cost to the taxpayer.

November 20, 2012