The London-based practice is working with Art Invest Real Estate (AIRE), the developer behind the Dockside Canada Water scheme, as well as bridge engineer and fabricator Cake Industries to create a new crossing over the 5.8m-wide Albion Channel leading into Canada Water.
The scheme will replace an existing 2.5m-wide, timber-clad, steel framed faux drawbridge with one featuring a ‘generous, accessible deck’.
The application follows a recently approved masterplan for the dockside land surrounding Canada Water’s lake, which will see new public realm created alongside two new office blocks and a student residential tower to be built afterwards.
The terms of the Dockside application’s consent states that the increased pedestrian footfall from the major development will require an ‘enhanced footbridge’ as part of the developer’s S106 obligations.
Canada Water is the focus of several high-profile projects in addition to the AIRE Dockside plans, including a £4 billion Allies and Morrison masterplan, which underwent major and controversial changes earlier this year. The bridge and new public realm will sit within the area of this wider scheme, with developers collaborating on the plans. However, they remain separate projects.
Carter Gregson Gray’s proposed bridge will sit across the dock from Asif Khan’s bright red, 170m-long wetlands boardwalk which completed last year.
Initial concept sketches of proposed CCG bridge at Canada Water
An existing, but currently hidden, 19th Century dockside will be reinstated by the project to broaden the pedestrian route, while the bridge itself will feature a pointed metal mesh balustrade with timber leaning rails with ‘amenity space’ for walkers to pause at the waters edge.
A see-through grill dividing this amenity space from the main walkway will allow for views of the water below, and the design of the structure follows a ‘gentle, organic geometry… encouraging visitors to enjoy the re-established biodiversity of Canada Water’, according to the architects.
Public feedback emphasised the importance of space for cyclists as well as walkers, with the final design exceeding the width requirements set out in the Dockside S106 agreement.
Project data
Location Canada Water, LondonLocal authority Southwark CouncilType of project Infrastructure / Public RealmClient Art Invest Real EstateArchitect Carter Gregson GrayPlanning consultant DP9Structural engineer Cake Industries
Quantity surveyor Gardiner & TheobaldPrincipal designer Carter Gregson GrayLighting consultant ArupMain contractor To be confirmedFunding Art Invest real EstateTender date To be confirmedStart on site date To be confirmedCompletion date To be confirmedContract duration To be confirmedForm of contract and/or procurement To be confirmedAnnual CO2 emissions To be confirmedTotal cost To be confirmedPlanning application reference 25/AP/2916
