First steps to Campbell Wharf’s new footbridge

Posted 25th September 2018

Construction will begin shortly on a new 35m footbridge which will cross the Grand Union Canal and link the two sides of Crest Nicholson’s Campbell Wharf mixed use development.

The footbridge will be the centrepiece of the new community, providing access for pedestrians and cyclists between the 111 berth marina complex and the public house and the 383 new homes, as well as joining the canal towpaths.

Knight Architects and specialist engineers COWI, who have considerable experience in creating innovative infrastructure across the world, are the designers of the new footbridge. The parapets of the bridge have been designed to reflect the reeds and rushes typically found along the banks of the canal.

The component parts of the bridge are being built off-site, and the full bridge will be installed in December and an official opening ceremony will be held in Summer 2019.

Martin Knight Director at Knight Architects, said: “The unique, three-legged design provides two connections with one structure and, at the same time, marks the entrance to the new marina and offers a distinctive identity for the new development. It is architecture and engineering in elegant harmony, inspired by its location, and we are delighted the project is making such positive progress.”

Oliver Stross, Principal Engineer at COWI said: “The bridge introduces both a physical and visual link between the new development and the marina. Its unusual three-legged design frames the marina entrance and provides an enlarged platform at the centre of the canal from which to watch the narrowboats below. Careful detailing has produced an elegantly understated structure that allows the parapets and activities on the waterway to take central stage. The bridge will be lifted into place as one piece using a 1000 tonne crane.”

Peter Cusdin, Development Director at Crest Nicholson said:

“We are proud to showcase this unique bridge design as part of the exciting Campbell Wharf development. It will provide an impressive landmark at the heart of the new public space as well as a new access route for pedestrians and cyclists.”

For more information about Crest Nicholson’s plans for Campbell Wharf, please contact Sarah Wright, Community Liaison Officer by emailing community@campbellwharf.co.uk or call 07577987130.