"Innovative" design for Leamouth Bridge Project (From Bucks Free Press)

"Innovative" design for Leamouth Bridge Project

2:04pm Wednesday 30th July 2003 in

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A 'landmark' bridge design is to be made reality in east London, after being chosen for a new crossing to the Lea Peninsula.

The structure was chosen by, among others, world-renowned British architect Lord Rogers, and will increase access to an estimated 90,000 square meters of land tagged for offices and housing development.

Announcing the winner of the competition for the Leamouth Bridge Project, the selection panel praised its 'striking appearance' and 'innovative use of technologies'.

The bridge, which has a 25-metre high mast at one end, attached to the bridge by a cable, tilts up - in what project managers describe as a 'theatrical event for passers by'.

An aluminium deck, sculptural staircases, LED lighting and crushed glass ‘lightboxes’ add to the visual ingenuity of the chosen design.

The Chairman of project leaders Leaside Regeneration Limited, Eric Reynolds, said: "This bridge symbolises Leamouth’s ongoing renaissance as a new urban quarter, reflecting its aspirations and enabling residential and business communities to take advantage of this historic waterside site."

Directly opposite the Millennium Dome, on the other side of the Thames, the bridge will cross the River Lea, joining the peninsula to further transport links in Canning Town.

The winning design is by leading British engineering firm Whitbybird, which also designed the Friends Bridge on Hackney Marshes.

It is the first of two bridges planned across the Lea mouth, and will cost £3m.

The Leamouth Bridge is not to be confused with:

1. The Thames Gateway Bridge - A huge project linking Barking and Thamesmead; currently under consultation by the mayor
2. Docklands Light Railway extension - another new Thames crossing; proposed to link London City Airport and Woolwich
3. Crossrail - which will also cross the Thames around Canary Wharf
4. A smaller, tolled crossing - again across the Thames - from north Greenwich to Silvertown.