Plans for a new bridge in the heart of King’s Cross have been approved by Camden Council.
Named Somers Town Bridge, it will open in spring 2017 and will link Camley Street to the heart of the King’s Cross development.
Moxon Architects, working with engineers Arup, have designed the new pedestrian bridge for the King’s Cross Central Limited Partnership (KCCLP). The bridge will spans the Regent’s Canal between Camley Street and what will be known as Gasholder Gardens, forming an important connection for pedestrians and cyclists to the west, into Somers Town.
At its slimmest point, the bridge is only 15mm thick and yet ingenious engineering mean that the entire 38-metre crossing is spanned without any intermediate support. In keeping with the great Victorian design in the nearby vicinity, the bridge will be robust and unadorned, with detailed craftsmanship throughout, a careful selection of materials and a minimalist shape.
Speaking about the planning approval, Anthony Peter, Project Director at Argent (King’s Cross), said: “We’re delighted that the bridge gained planning approval last night – it is an important connection for pedestrians and cyclists coming to King’s Cross.”
Moxon Architects practice director Ben Addy, added:“In such a diverse context of landmark structures and historic fabric it is inappropriate for the new bridge to be an overly flamboyant structure: it will be a considered and beautiful addition to the location, but even more than this we have develop a design that is as emphatically and enjoyably practical as its Victorian neighbours.”
The King’s Cross development already benefits from growing mix of amenities including bars and restaurants, fantastic public parks and squares, arts and exhibition spaces and the new public swimming pools and gym in Camden Council’s new headquarters.