London Mayor
Boris Johnson said the kilometer-long pontoon design, known as "the London
River Park," won financing from Singapore-based asset managers, Venus
Group. The structure, that will rise and fall with the tidal river, will link
Blackfriars Bridge, on the western edge of the old city, and run almost to the
Tower of London in the east.
The design, by architects Gensler, is subject to
planning permission and approval by the City of London Corporation and other
agencies. "We will proceed sensitively, working closely with our partners
... to ensure that one of the most famous and cherished waterfronts in the
world is enhanced for the benefit of our great capital," the mayor said,
calling it "spectacular."
The elegant structure allows visitors to
hop on and off the walkway via gangways allowing them to explore landmarks,
alleys and disused wharves close to the shore.
