Lambeth Council has given the go-ahead to the proposed £175million Garden Bridge, which will span the river between Temple and the South Bank.

The idea was conceived by the actress Joanna Lumley and it has been designed by Thomas Heatherwick, who created the Olympic Cauldron and the New Routemaster bus.  The council’s approval means that the Garden Bridge Trust, the UK-registered charity overseeing the completion of the project, has received part of the necessary consent for the project.

The next stage will be to gain permission from Westminster City Council.  That decision is expected to be taken in December.

Construction of the Garden Bridge could begin in December 2015 if the necessary funding can be raised. So far more than £100million has been pledged by the Government, Transport for London and private donors.

The 1,214ft pedestrian bridge will feature a figure of eight curving paved pathways linking five gardens displaying plants from Britain and northern Europe.  If everything goes according to plan, it is hoped that the bridge will open to the public in 2018.

About the Garden Bridge – narrated by Joanna Lumley from London Communications Agency on Vimeo.

END

Would you like to explore London and beyond with a highly qualified and enthusiastic Blue Badge Tourist Guide?  Use our Guide Match service to find the perfect one for you!