This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-30546501
The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 0 | Version 1 |
|---|---|
| Mayor Boris Johnson approves River Thames garden bridge | Mayor Boris Johnson approves River Thames garden bridge |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| A controversial garden bridge is to be built across the River Thames after the Mayor of London Boris Johnson approved the scheme. | A controversial garden bridge is to be built across the River Thames after the Mayor of London Boris Johnson approved the scheme. |
| The £175m footbridge will link Temple with the Southbank but has been criticised over its location and cost. | The £175m footbridge will link Temple with the Southbank but has been criticised over its location and cost. |
| Actress Joanna Lumley came up with the idea for the bridge and it has been designed by London 2012 cauldron creator, Thomas Heatherwick. | Actress Joanna Lumley came up with the idea for the bridge and it has been designed by London 2012 cauldron creator, Thomas Heatherwick. |
| Lambeth Council and Westminster City Council have already approved the plan. | Lambeth Council and Westminster City Council have already approved the plan. |
| Construction could begin next year, the mayor's office said. | Construction could begin next year, the mayor's office said. |
| It is estimated seven million trips per year will be made across the bridge. | It is estimated seven million trips per year will be made across the bridge. |
| Mr Johnson said: "The garden bridge will provide a fantastic new landmark for London whilst supporting regeneration and economic growth on both sides of the Thames. | Mr Johnson said: "The garden bridge will provide a fantastic new landmark for London whilst supporting regeneration and economic growth on both sides of the Thames. |
| "It will create a stunning oasis of tranquillity in the heart of our city and boost our plans to encourage walking in the city." | "It will create a stunning oasis of tranquillity in the heart of our city and boost our plans to encourage walking in the city." |
| Priorities questioned | |
| Business group London First has questioned the mayor's prioritising of the project. | |
| Head of infrastructure David Leam said progress on tunnels and bridges proposed at Silvertown and Gallions Reach in east London had been "painfully slow". | |
| He said: "We'd like to see the London mayor applying a similar bit of elbow grease to getting crossings built east of Tower Bridge. In terms of economic growth, those are the priorities." | |
| The garden bridge project has previously been criticised by nearby residents and political opponents for its location and design. | |
| Earlier this year, shadow transport minister Lord Davies of Oldham described the bridge as a "very expensive piece of public art". | Earlier this year, shadow transport minister Lord Davies of Oldham described the bridge as a "very expensive piece of public art". |
| The Garden Bridge will be 1,214 ft-long (370m) long and will connect Temple on the north bank to the South Bank. | The Garden Bridge will be 1,214 ft-long (370m) long and will connect Temple on the north bank to the South Bank. |
| The bridge will be covered with trees and plants, arranged by television gardener Dan Pearson. | The bridge will be covered with trees and plants, arranged by television gardener Dan Pearson. |