Funding for Thomas Heatherwick’s progressive Garden Bridge crossing the River Thames in London has now passed £100m, with its developers seeking £150m to get the project underway.
If funds are found, the Cupronickel structure will combine elements of stone, brick and concrete brutalism to create a landmark connecting structure in the capital.
So far investment has come from the Treasury and Transport for London, who have each contributed £30m towards the project.
The rest of the funding has come from private donations, with an anonymous family making a large donation to ensure that the bridge’s naming rights are not sold off.
Come the summer, a public fundraising campaign is to be launched in order to encourage the public to support the bridge, as its developers seek to gain the final funds for development.
The development has received support across a number of sectors, with actress Joanna Lumley an important influence behind the project, while The Garden Bridge Trust was formed late last year to push the project forward.
If created, the bridge would see Heatherwick Studio, Transport for London and engineering consultant Arup working together to develop the scheme.
The bridge would be used as a pedestrian crossing, spanning the River Thames, linking the South Bank to Temple station. There will be a focus on a garden-inspired layout featuring plants, trees, woodland aspects and meandering walkways.
More information on the project is available in the latest edition of
Leisure Management magazine, p.12.
