A pedestrian bridge over the River Thames in an Oxford nature park has been granted planning permission after a review.
Knight Architects have designed the bridge “to integrate with the local landscape, particularly the surrounding meadows, and to prioritise visual lightness.” The design has features that invite the user to stop and enjoy the views, by leaning on the railing or by using integrated seating.
The design for Oxpens Bridge. Credit: Knight Architects
The northern approach of the bridge is elevated in response to flood capacity and flow requirements, to give a dry crossing over the site.
The design team consists of: Knight Architects, Stantec, Prior and Partners, Balfour Beatty and Briton.
The bridge will link two developments with a total of 300 houses at Oxpens and Osney Mead with the city centre.
Since the consultation period in 2022 (link opens in new tab), the bridge plan has met with opposition because it is sited in Grandpont Nature Park, which was converted from the city’s former gasworks in the mid 1980s. Trees have already been removed from the site and the council intends to replace them. Campaigners have claimed that there is no need for a new bridge because it would be possible to refurbish a nearby crossing.
The project is funded by the Oxfordshire Growth Deal.
