Softroom Architects with Eckersley O'Callaghan Structural Engineers have been selected to design a new footbridge over the Leeds-Liverpool Canal in Bootle in the north west of England. There were 88 entries for the international open design competition. Entries were assessed anonymously at the first stage. The teams behind six shortlisted schemes were then invited to attend an interview to discuss their schemes with the jury panel. Royal Institute of British Architects adviser Renato Benedetti praised the winning design for its "strong elegant form, clever access ramps and stairs, sustainable economic timber structure and overall aesthetic ethos". The Softroom team will work closely with Sefton Borough Council to develop the scheme with a view to construction starting this year.