Plans will now be finalised for an international design competition, which could be launched by winter this year.

The new US$69 million pedestrian and cycle crossing would connect Nine Elms on the South Bank  with the historic Pimlico embankment to the north. Its exact location is yet to be confirmed but the preferred options are close to the site of the new US Embassy.

"The design will have to inspire and win the hearts of Londoners who are tremendously proud of their river and its heritage," said Ravi Govindia, leader of Wandsworth Council and co-chair of the Nine Elms Vauxhall Partnership. "It must work alongside the cutting-edge modern architecture of Nine Elms as well as the elegant buildings on the north bank.  There will be engineering feats to overcome and the landing points on both sides must integrate sensitively and effectively with their surroundings."