Local Councillor Melanie Hampton is today calling on local residents to support a proposed new footbridge linking Battersea to Fulham. This follows a long campaign to build support for the bridge in Wandsworth Borough Council.
A new pedestrian and cycle bridge alongside the railway bridge will enable greater integration between the north and south of the river. It will bring both transport and economic benefits, have a positive impact on the environment, while linking the Thames Path.
Residents on both sides of the river will enjoy greater access to train stations such as Imperial Wharf, the Thames Clipper river service, cycle and bus routes, as well as shops, restaurants, bars and cafes.
Speaking in Battersea earlier, Melanie Hampton, who has represented St Mary’s Park for nearly four years said:
“Local people have consistently told me how much they would value a new footbridge for pedestrians and cyclists. I am so excited that this dream is closer than ever to becoming a reality. There is agreement in principle from both Wandsworth Council and Hammersmith and Fulham – everything is falling into place!”
The two councils are planning to begin technical tests into the soil sub structure as well as exploring other practical considerations. The bridge will be part-funded through the Community Infrastructure Levy placed on new developers and government is expected to match some of the funding. The council will be encouraging the remainder of the costs to be generated by sponsorship from local supporters and businesses.
Cllr Hampton, who is joined in her campaign by Rhodri Morgan and Charles Pitt, candidates for St Mary’s Park in next year’s local elections added:
“I am so pleased that we can use some of the money from new housing along the river to create a new community asset for everyone to enjoy. There have been calls for a bridge here in Battersea for nearly a hundred years. I really hope that in the spirit of the great philanthropists and civic leaders of the Victorian era the two local councils, local businesses and friends of Battersea will get behind this project and create a lasting legacy for north Battersea.”