Sir Terry Farrell's architecture practice have released new images of six proposed low-level river crossings in London to stimulate development, unlock housing capacity and inspire new leisure schemes in the capital.

The bridges would all be located between Surrey Quays and Thamesmead to the east of Tower Bridge, a stretch of the river which currently only has one crossing.

In December, London mayor Boris Johnson called for 13 new bridges to improve day-to-day travel across the city, as well as create new jobs and homes.

Current bridges at various stages of development in London include Thomas Heatherwick’s Garden Bridge and a major Thames Gateway mixed-use scheme since 2006 and are also designing a £1bn business hub along the Royal Albert Dock for Chinese and Asian businesses. Many leisure schemes are also underway along London’s famous river, and the six new bridges would help boost these projects, according to the design team.

“If 7,000 commuters pass a bridge each day, they’ll spend an estimated £7m a year in shops, bakeries, food stores and pubs within the bridge’s area of influence,” said engineering consultancy Buro Happold, who worked in partnership with Farrells on the proposal.

In addition to the potential for leisure developments, Farrells also believe housing will enjoy a boost if their proposals are accepted. The practice claimed 47,000 housing units could be developed in Thamesmead within a 2km radius of their proposed low-level bridge there.

“London is a great world city: Its economy continues to thrive, it’s a global centre for innovation, creativity and culture, and its population will reach 10 million by 2030,” said Farrell. “It is Europe’s only ‘super metropolis’ and as a result of its success, London needs more housing on a bigger scale than ever before.”

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