PLANS for a bridge that would connect Rotherhithe to Canary Wharf have gathered pace as the MP for Bermondsey and Old Southwark met with the proposers – days after the new Mayor of London offered his support for the crossing, writes Alex Yeates…
MP Neil Coyle met with the charity Sustrans on Thursday May 12 to discuss how plans for the bridge could be moved forward. The proposed £88m project would see a pedestrian and bike bridge built by 2020 and slash commutes by twenty minutes.
MP Neil said: “With a new Mayor [Sadiq Khan], his sole focus on London and his new energy for the role, I hope to see the commitment to the Rotherhithe bridge delivered.
“The project is looking at how to reduce costs and raise funds as well as look for partners to support the scheme.
“I really hope to see swift progress and strong public engagement on this proposed bridge that could have huge benefits for many local people.”
Sustrans published a feasibility report in March detailing how it would benefit from a mixture of private and public investment and cost lower than expected.
With widespread public support, newly elected London Mayor Sadiq Khan included a commitment to the bridge in his manifesto.
A spokesperson for the Mayor of London said: “Sadiq believes a cycle and pedestrian bridge between Rotherhithe and Canary Wharf could offer a huge boost for new jobs and homes, while promoting greener and safer ways of crossing the Thames.
“It is a fantastic opportunity to give that part of London a truly iconic bridge and he will be discussing the proposal in detail with Transport for London.”