Sadiq Khan today threw his weight behind the “Boomerang Bridge” crossing for pedestrians and cyclists between Rotherhithe and Canary Wharf.
Labour’s mayoral candidate pledged to invite the world’s best architects and engineers to submit designs for the bridge if he is elected in May.
There is a huge demand for a new crossing east of Tower Bridge and the proposal is subject to a Transport for London-funded feasibility study.
The potential new crossing — nicknamed the Boomerang Bridge after one of the proposed designs but also known as the Brunel Bridge — would help over 100,000 workers cross the Thames to work in Canary Wharf and connect east-west cycle routes along the river.
Mr Khan, the MP for Tooting, said: “Building the bridge would be a huge boost for jobs and new homes, and will promote greener ways of getting across the Thames.
“But this is also a fantastic opportunity to give this part of London a truly iconic bridge, which is why as Mayor I’d invite the world’s best architects to submit innovative designs.”
A feasibility study by cycling and walking campaigners Sustrans estimated the bridge would lead to the creation of 110,000 jobs and 4,000 homes.
The design, by architects ReForm and engineers Elliott Wood, features a pair of huge white steel boomerangs, strung across the river, which can pivot to allow the bridge to open for tall ships.
Interactive map: TfL's vision of new river crossings
It would be the third new foot and cycle route across the Thames, with the Garden Bridge at Temple and a planned crossing between Pimlico and Battersea Nine Elms.
