Two stunning footbridges opened up the heart of the river at its most historic location, linking the South Bank with the West End. The Golden Jubilee Bridges were officially opened in summer 2003 and became a great new landmarks for London

The elegance and tranquillity they offer in one of London's most breath-taking locations, with the Palace of Westminster on the north bank facing BA's London Eye on the south bank, have made the footbridges an attraction in their own right.

The footbridges traverse the river as its busiest point and are pivotal to the continued regeneration of the south side of the river.

The original structure was designed by internationally renown architectural practice Lifschutz Davidson, responsible for much of the other stunning architecture along the South Bank.

The practice's design was chosen after an international competition with judges praising its bolds lines combined with historical relevance.

At night the award-winning lighting, created by Speirs and Major, creates an iridescent effect which adds an entire new dimension to central London.

The footbridges replace the old Hungerford footbridge, a narrow single link which ran across the Thames at this point.

Find out more about the project by clicking on the Golden Jubilee Bridges case study to the right.

Geographical area
Linking Westminster with Lambeth

Time frame
Opened by HRH Princess Alexandra: July 2003
Second footbridge complete: September 2002
First footbridge complete: May 2002
Work started: 2000
Architectural competition: 1996

Results
Analysis shows that the bridge will be used by approximately seven million people per year.

Cross River Partnerships role
CRP was the founder of the project, bringing together partners on both sides of the river. With Westminster City Council, it arranged the design competition.

Lead partner
Westminster City Council who also led construction.

Other project partners
Lambeth Council
The Mayor of London and the GLA
Network Rail
Railway Heritage Trust
Millennium Commission

Contact
Sarah Walton
Cross River Partnership
020 7926 0083
swalton@lambeth.gov,uk

More information
The footbridges have already won many awards. A summary is available at the bottom of this page.

Case Studies

By working beyond traditional geographical and political boundaries, Cross River Partnership delivers creative regeneration solutions. Read more about the difference CRP is making to central London's development.

• Golden Jubilee Bridges - partnership working