ROLLING ON A RIVER
09 Sep 2019
A rotating pedestrian bridge that will roll to allow boats to pass has been planned for the Lea River in London in an attempt to revitalise the abandoned area by providing the community with full access to Lea River Park.
Cody Dock, an abandoned industrial quay built in the 1870s, has since been turned into a wasteland and a neglected zone. The area has found a new calling through the charity Gasworks Dock Partnership and PUP Architects – initiatives that are in the process of changing the surroundings and putting in place an artistic hub and creative quarter in order to revive the River Lea.
At the heart of the masterplan and aligned with this vision, architect and lecturer Thomas Randall-Page has imagined an industrial sculpture that would be able to push forward the future vision of the site. The proposed addition will connect the land and be part of the ‘Leaway’ pedestrian and cycling path, as well as The Line’ sculpture walk. 
This access will open up 42kms of river walks to the public and will act as an entrance to community gardens. It will also allow boats to pass for the first time in 50 years. The contemporary and playful bridge creates a twist on traditional systems with a hand-operated mechanism that seamlessly shifts between its two functions. Through crowdfunding and after getting final permits, the architect is engaging the community in the project and is relying on their participation in order to execute the vision.
Via ArchDaily | Images courtesy of Thomas Randall-Page
