A new bridge alongside the River Thames over Deptford Creek has opened to users, linking up an important section of the Thames path.
The unique Deptford Creek Swing Bridge - more than 50 metres long - is the first of its kind in London. The attractive structure overcomes the obstacle of Deptford Creek by allowing pedestrians, cyclists, wheelchair users and people with buggies to continually walk along the river edge. Until the bridge was constructed people were forced to deviate inland onto Creek Road away from the river to get across the Creek.
The bridge has an exciting design and is only the second of its kind in the UK. It has been made to swing open like a door, via four electric motors that can rotate the bridge 110 degrees in under two minutes. It will open on demand to allow river traffic to proceed up Deptford Creek.
It has been built by developer Galliard Homes as part of their flagship New Capital Quay riverside development in Greenwich. Built on the site of King Henry VIII’s original Tudor dockyard, New Capital Quay forms a new Thameside village providing over 1,000 new homes, 33% of which are affordable, a Waitrose superstore, shops, cafes, leisure and community facilities.
Galliards has now handed over the bridge to the Royal Borough of Greenwich who will be responsible for its operation and upkeep.
The Royal Borough of Greenwich has also successfully secured £350,000 funding to link up another section of the Thames Path in the borough, to the east of the Thames Barrier. It’s intended that the new route will bring a section of path into use along the riverfront where currently cyclists and walkers have to make a detour inland via a housing estate and the main Woolwich Road.
Councillor Denise Hyland, Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich said: “This is a really exciting addition to the Royal Borough – not only is it a feat of modern engineering and a really eye-catching structure, it really helps local residents and visitors by providing a proper link up the Thames Path.
"It means local people will have shorter journey times on foot or by bike to access local transport routes, and that people walking up the riverside path for enjoyment won’t have to deviate away from the Thames Path back onto the main road. Its innovative design also allows our important riverside industries full access up the Creek. We’re really keen to continue to maximise the draw of our wonderful riverfront here in the Royal Borough of Greenwich and this bridge is a major new addition to our waterfront offer.
"It’s also brilliant news that we’ve secured funding from Transport for London to join up another link further down the Thames Path close to the Thames Barrier. It will mean people can enjoy an unbroken Thames Path right from Tower Bridge to Kent”
Stephen Conway, Chairman & Chief Executive of Galliard Homes said: “This new bridge connects for the very first time the Deptford and Greenwich Thames pathways and provides a new promenade setting for local residents, joggers, cyclists and tourists alike.
"The bridge has been designed as both a functional transport mode as well as a striking artistic architectural statement by the River Thames. Greenwich is one of the UK’s most high profile tourist destinations so it was critical that the new bridge showcased striking architecture and good design. This historic former dockyard and industrial facility has been regenerated into a new waterside village and provides an important link between the communities of Deptford and Greenwich.”