Knight Architects submits plans for Canary Wharf bascule bridge

Knight Architects has submitted plans for a movable footbridge in Canary Wharf, which it claims could become one of the busiest pedestrian bridges in LondonThe crossing over South Dock on the of the Isle of Dogs features two 35m-long steel beam spans, one of which can open up for river traffic, linked to a single central pier.The scheme has been developed with engineer Arcadis and moving bridge specialist Kgal for project-backer the London Borough of Tower Hamlets.The plans have now been submitted to the council, which is expected to make a decision in the next month.The bridge has been drawn up to handle the ‘large volume of new development’ in the area – including Herzog & de Meuron’s new One Park Drive residential tower nearby – which is expected to increase ‘pedestrian traffic above levels that can be comfortably accommodated with existing infrastructure’.The only other footbridge across South Dock is WilkinsonEyre’s 1997 curved crossing to the west of Knight Architects’ proposals which the council says ‘is approaching its capacity at peak times’.The new scheme is being funded by the council, using contributions from development in the area including Community Infrastructure Levy funding and Section 106 funding, with some financial support from Transport for London. The borough has also successfully bid for £7 million business rates funding from London Councils.An exact construction cost has not been released.Subject to approval, the bridge is expected to start on site in 2022 and open in 2023.