Proposals for a new foot and cycle bridge across the Thames — the first in more than a decade— have been submitted for planning approval.
The white steel bridge would run alongside the existing Battersea Railway Bridge and mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.
Chris Medland, the architect who designed the structure, is hoping to secure corporate sponsorship similar to the Barclays-backed Boris Bikes to fund the £22 million project.
The arched construction, known as the Jubilee Footbridge, would run between Chelsea Harbour and Lombard Road, near Battersea High Street.
It would give commuters easy access to Imperial Wharf station in Fulham and improve links between the north and south of the river, said Mr Medland.
He has submitted his plans to Wandsworth and Hammersmith and Fulham councils for approval and hopes the bridge could be open by 2014.
The last footbridge to open across the Thames was the Millennium Bridge in 2000.
Mr Medland said: “I live in Battersea and have thought for a long time that we need a new foot and cycle bridge in this location. One was first proposed as far back as 1924 and with the Jubilee year, I thought it would be a great way of marking the occasion.
“Battersea and Fulham have become increasingly central and this would be a brilliant new way of connecting the city and improving cycle and pedestrian access.”
The Jubilee Footbridge would be built at no cost to the taxpayer and would deliver substantial economic benefits, he claimed.
Richard Tracey, London Assembly member for Merton and Wandsworth, said: “I think it is a very good idea and the councils are in favour in principle from discussions I have had with them.
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“The footbridge would link Battersea village with Imperial Wharf station and mean that cyclists and pedestrians would not have to use Wandsworth road bridge. It’s also a beautiful structure.”
