Assurances that the much needed pedestrian and cycle bridge between Rotherhithe to Canary Wharf is on schedule and could be open to the public by 2020 or 2021 were obtained by Liberal Democrat London Assembly Member Caroline Pidgeon, at August's Mayor’s Question Time.
The Mayor also confirmed that he expects major landowners in the nearby area, who will benefit from the bridge, to contribute to the project, alongside funding from TfL.
After being questioned by Caroline Pidgeon the Mayor also expressed his most positive support yet for the extension of the cycle hire scheme out to Rotherhithe, although such an extension is still conditional on Southwark Council contributing to the capital costs of new docking stations as has happened in other parts of London where the cycle hire scheme has been expanded.
Following today’s Mayor’s Question Time at City Hall Caroline Pidgeon said:
“The case for the Rotherhithe to Canary Wharf pedestrian and cycle bridge is stronger than ever. It will play a key role in supporting the new housing and employment that is growing on both sides of the Thames, as well as helping to reduce pressure on the Jubilee Line, especially at Canada Water.
“In the past London has seen too many infrastructure projects held up. This is one project that really must be delivered on time.”
Commenting further on the Mayor’s remarks about the extension of the cycle hire scheme Caroline Pidgeon said:
“I welcome the Mayor’s support for extending the cycle hire scheme. It is now up to Southwark Council to step up to the plate and ensure this now actually happens.”
“All the benefits of the new bridge would be magnified if the Santander cycle hire scheme operated across Bermondsey and Rotherhithe.”