Plans to build a 'Garden Bridge' across the River Thames in London for pedestrians – linking Temple with the South Bank – have been unveiled. A public consultation began on Friday and will last until 20 December.

A charity, The Garden Bridge Trust, has been established to supervise the £150M project which will be submitted for planning approval in early 2014.

The proposed 36m long bridge was inspired by the actress Joanna Lumley who sought "a place with no noise or traffic where the only sounds are birdsong and bees buzzing and the wind in the trees, and below the steady rush of water." It will be designed by Heatherwick Studio and be built by Arup.

“The idea is simple,” said Arup project director Tristram Carfrae. “We are trying to create a bridge that looks beautiful, is durable and will support a garden spanning the Thames.

"This is not an easy feat and we are working closely with Heatherwick Studio to ensure that the design and engineering work seamlessly together to create an ingenious result."

Construction is set to begin in 2015 and the bridge is planned for completion by the end of 2017. Private donors are being sought to provide funding for the bridge. No public funds are expected to be forthcoming.

(Image: Heatherwick Studio)

To return to the newsletter, please close this window.