London-based architectural practice Carter Gregson Gray has revealed comprehensive plans for a new pedestrian footbridge at Canada Water, designed to replace an outdated crossing over the 5.8-meter-wide Albion Channel. The firm is collaborating with Art Invest Real Estate (AIRE), the developer behind the ambitious Dockside Canada Water development scheme, along with bridge engineer and fabricator Cake Industries to deliver this significant infrastructure project.

The proposed bridge will replace the existing 2.5-meter-wide timber-clad, steel-framed structure that currently mimics a drawbridge design. The new crossing will feature a substantially wider, fully accessible deck that meets modern pedestrian traffic demands and accessibility standards. This upgrade directly addresses the anticipated increase in foot traffic from the major development projects planned for the surrounding area.

The bridge project follows the recent approval of a comprehensive masterplan for the dockside land surrounding Canada Water's lake. This broader development vision includes the creation of extensive new public realm spaces, two modern office blocks, and a student residential tower that will be constructed in subsequent phases. The footbridge replacement is mandated under the developer's Section 106 planning obligations, which require infrastructure improvements to accommodate the increased pedestrian flow from the major development.

Canada Water has emerged as the focal point for several high-profile architectural projects beyond the AIRE Dockside plans. The area is also subject to a £4 billion masterplan by Allies and Morrison, which underwent significant and controversial modifications earlier this year. While the new bridge and public realm improvements will be situated within the area covered by this larger scheme, with developers coordinating their planning efforts, the projects remain administratively separate.

The new Carter Gregson Gray bridge will be positioned across the dock from Asif Khan's distinctive bright red, 170-meter-long wetlands boardwalk, which was completed last year. This strategic placement will create a complementary relationship between the two structures while maintaining their individual design identities and functional purposes.

Detailed design plans reveal that the project will restore a previously hidden 19th-century dockside feature, broadening the available pedestrian route and adding historical context to the crossing. The bridge itself will incorporate a pointed metal mesh balustrade combined with timber leaning rails, creating both safety and aesthetic appeal. A dedicated amenity space for pedestrians will provide opportunities for visitors to pause and enjoy views at the water's edge.

The architectural design includes a transparent grill system that divides the amenity space from the main walkway, allowing unobstructed views of the water below while maintaining pedestrian flow. According to the architects, the structure follows gentle, organic geometric principles that encourage visitors to appreciate and engage with the re-established biodiversity of the Canada Water environment.

Public consultation feedback emphasized the critical importance of accommodating cyclists as well as pedestrians in the final design. Responding to these concerns, Carter Gregson Gray's proposal exceeds the minimum width requirements outlined in the Dockside Section 106 agreement, ensuring adequate space for mixed-use traffic while maintaining safety standards.

The project team includes DP9 as planning consultant, Cake Industries serving dual roles as structural engineer and fabricator, Gardiner & Theobald as quantity surveyor, Carter Gregson Gray as principal designer, and Arup providing lighting consultation services. Art Invest Real Estate will fund the project, though key timeline details including tender date, construction start, and completion remain to be confirmed. The planning application has been submitted under reference 25/AP/2916 to Southwark Council for final approval.