The London Borough of Wandsworth invited multi-disciplinary design teams from across the world to take part in a lively and interactive competition, to produce a concept design for a new cycle and pedestrian bridge across the River Thames in London, between Nine Elms and Pimlico.  The purpose of the competition was to identify the best team, capable of designing and delivering a unique landmark bridge for this part of London and to explore what the various design options might be; it was not to select a specific design.  

At Stage 1, the competition sought expressions of interest, supported by evidence of pertinent technical awareness and design innovation.  Public exhibitions were held, showcasing the design element of each submission.

At Stage 2, shortlisted competitors were asked to develop their design ideas, including formal dialogue with the client and key stakeholders on both sides of the river, and public exhibitions to engage the wider community.  All shortlisted competitors were asked to complete a formal Invitation to Tender.

An honorarium was paid to second stage shortlisted competitors.

A design focused Jury Panel, chaired by Graham Stirk of Rogers Stirk Harbour, evaluated all Stage 1 and Stage 2 submissions.

The bridge is included in the Vauxhall Nine Elms Battersea 2012 Opportunity Area Planning Framework and is seen to be an integral part of the local transport strategy.  Partial funding, to the value of £26m, has already been budgeted for the bridge’s future construction and it is hoped that the winning design can be used to attract further match funding.  It is the intention that the winning team will work with the Council to help secure that additional funding.  An overall capital budget in the region of £40m is envisaged.  

The winning team will be asked to develop its competition proposals, with the input of the communities on both sides of the river, to a point that it could be delivered by a contractor at a time in the future.  This means that the winning team needs not only to have wonderful design and technical skills but also to be excellent communicators, capable of inspiring people from differing backgrounds and with different aspirations.

The competition was organised with the support of Colander Associates.  In using Colander to promote and manage the competition, the Council aimed to attract interest from architects and engineers with exceptional design skills from across the globe.  

Colander Associates has taken all reasonable efforts to ensure that the information on this website is correct. 

See links for background information.