London could see a new pedestrian and cycle bridge over the River Lea by 2027, after nearly £10 million in funding was pledged by Tower Hamlets and Newham councils. The proposed Mayer Parry Bridge would connect the Leaway footpath in Canning Town with Leven Road in Poplar.
The bridge has been in planning since at least 2021, when both councils agreed to share costs and carry out enabling work for three potential crossings in the area. A recent feasibility study presented to Newham Council’s cabinet, however, suggests that only the Mayer Parry Bridge can be funded at present. The study noted that funding the other two bridges would require “substantial” borrowing or the use of money that could otherwise pay for “other critical infrastructure across the borough.”
Tower Hamlets has pledged £4.8 million, with Newham committing the same amount. The Greater London Authority will provide a further £2.4 million grant. Some of Newham’s funding will come from developers, including £1 million from a planned data centre in Bidder Street. These payments are expected in two instalments once construction milestones are reached in 2027.
Newham Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz said the bridge would be “a vital piece of infrastructure that will connect a really significant part of Tower Hamlets with Newham to create opportunities of growth and access to jobs.”
“Along with busy main roads such as the A12 and A13, the river forms a physical barrier for the local community,” the feasibility study said. “This same area is poised for significant residential and commercial growth, and without connections along and across the river, many future pedestrian and cycle journeys will be forced to share space on busy roads with vehicular traffic.”
Currently, there is no pedestrian or cycle crossing between the A13 at Canning Town and Twelvetrees Crescent at Bromley-by-Bow, a distance of more than a mile. Local officials have highlighted the safety concerns this creates for residents, particularly as the area develops further.
A Tower Hamlets spokesperson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that the council’s contribution will be “finalised” by its cabinet in January 2026. Both authorities expect to enter construction contracts in 2027. The Newham papers noted a “small risk” that construction work on the Bidder Street data centre might not reach the planned milestones, but added that “safeguards” are in place to suspend the project or seek alternative funding if necessary.
Negotiations with a private landowner in Canning Town, whose property is needed for the bridge, have been “quite positive,” according to Newham officers. However, feasibility, funding, and land ownership issues mean the other proposed bridges – Lochnagar and Poplar Reach – are less viable at present. “These two bridges may become feasible in the longer term if conditions change and further funding becomes available,” the council papers said. Planning permission for Lochnagar Bridge was granted in May 2024, but construction is unlikely until funding and land agreements are resolved.
The Mayer Parry Bridge is expected to be 63 metres long and will include hydraulic lifts to allow larger boats to pass along the River Lea. Tower Hamlets planning officers previously described the crossing as an “invaluable transport link” in an area undergoing “an intensification of residential development.”
“This project supports a shift away from car travel towards walking and cycling, encouraging healthier and more environmentally friendly travel choices,” the report added. Concerns were raised over the “costly” lifting mechanism and its maintenance, but officers noted that external funding would be available to help cover these costs.
Local consultation has shown strong support, with no objections recorded. Tower Hamlets’ strategic development committee approved the project in May 2024, requiring that construction commence within three years. Newham Council is expected to finalise approval on its side to align with the planned 2027 start date.
Once completed, the Mayer Parry Bridge will provide a safe and direct route for pedestrians and cyclists, enhancing connectivity between the two boroughs. It is expected to support residential and commercial growth, making it easier for residents to access jobs, shops, and public transport.
“Creating new links along the River Lea is crucial for our communities,” said a council spokesperson. “The Mayer Parry Bridge will remove barriers, encourage sustainable travel, and help deliver opportunities for local people.”
The bridge represents the first step in a longer-term vision to improve crossings along the River Lea. While the other proposed bridges are not immediately feasible, officials say they could become viable if funding and land agreements improve.
“The focus now is on delivering this vital connection,” said Newham Council officers. “Once built, it will demonstrate how coordinated investment can transform local infrastructure and benefit communities on both sides of the river.”
