Plans to improve transport links to London’s Nine Elms regeneration area near Battersea have moved a step closer this week with launch of a competition to design a new pedestrian and cycle bridge spanning the Thames.

The new river crossing promises to link the Nine Elms district with the Pimlico embankment to the north.

Wandsworth Council has invited architects and engineers to create an “inspiring, innovative design” for the bridge, which is part of a £1Bn infrastructure package committed as part of the area’s development.

Wandsworth Council leader Ravi Govindia, co-chair of the Nine Elms Vauxhall Partnership, said: “This bridge has the potential to become an inspiring landmark, heralding the changes that are taking place south of the river and making vital connections to the north shore.

“The transport case is strong and this will be a valuable and sustainable addition to London’s transport infrastructure.”

A Transport for London feasibility study completed in 2013 found that a new bridge at Nine Elms would provide pedestrians and cyclists with an attractive car-free alternative to Chelsea or Vauxhall bridges.

“This bridge needs to be designed to the highest quality standards; it must be inspiring, elegant and functional. The conundrum of creating a bridge that can be readily used by cyclists and pedestrians alike, that also provides adequate headroom for river traffic, is at the heart of the challenge,” Mr Govindia added.

(Photo: Alberto Pascual Otero)