A new staircase enhancing access between London Bridge and the Thames’ Riverside Walk will be opened next week (Monday 16 May) by Lord Mayor Jeffrey Mountevans.

The previous stairway, which could not be clearly seen from street level or the riverside, was dark, recessed, and attracted antisocial behaviour. The new staircase is of a modern design and features LED lighting in the handrail, a stainless steel sculptural screen, and a York stone base. The staircase is highly visible from both the bridge and Riverside Walk which will discourage antisocial behaviour.

The new structure connects London Bridge to the public walkway along the Thames and is a core project for the City of London’s Riverside Walk Enhancement Strategy, which has aimed to make the walkway more environmentally friendly, more popular, and better connected to the rest of the City.

The Staircase will also provide raised viewing platforms suspended dramatically over the water, inviting users to pause and enjoy downstream views over the historic Pool of London.

Speaking ahead of the opening, Lord Mayor Jeffrey Mountevans, said:

“This stairway is a superb example of modern architecture in the City of London. It combines form and function, and connects the pedestrian thoroughfare of London Bridge to the popular Thames pathway.

“I am particularly pleased that it will provide an open and airy connection between the two routes, in stark contrast to the existing stairway, which was dark and inaccessible.

“I look forward to seeing this stairway in use for decades to come.”

Sam Monck, Head of Borough Projects and Programmes at TfL said:

“We’re committed to making London the most walkable and healthy city in the world, so we’re happy to support projects like this that improve walking routes.

“The new eye-catching modern staircase makes possible the connection between London Bridge and along the Thames walkway and we’re sure it will be popular with walkers.”

The staircase was funded by the City of London Corporation and Transport for London, and was delivered by the Department of the Built Environment. The existing staircase will be demolished as part of the Riverside Walk Enhancement Strategy.

Notes for Editors:

The Bridge will be formally opened on Monday 16 May by Lord Mayor Jeffrey Mountevans at 6pm. More information on the Riverside Walk Enhancement Strategy can be found here.

For more information, please contact:

Ian Schofield, Media Officer, City of London Corporation

Tel: 020 7332 1906 / Mobile: 07725 634564 / Email ian.schofield@cityoflondon.gov.uk

About the City of London Corporation:

The City of London Corporation is a uniquely diverse organisation. It supports and promotes the City as the world leader in international finance and business services and provides local services and policing for those working in, living in and visiting the Square Mile. It also provides valued services to London and the nation. These include the Barbican Centre, The Guildhall School and Milton Court; Guildhall Library; Guildhall Art Gallery and London’s Roman Amphitheatre; London Metropolitan Archives; a range of education provision (including three City Academies); five Thames bridges (including Tower Bridge and the Millennium Bridge); the Central Criminal Court at Old Bailey; over 11,000 acres of open spaces (including Hampstead Heath and Epping Forest), and three wholesale food markets. It is also London’s Port Health Authority and runs the Animal Reception Centre at Heathrow. It works in partnership with neighbouring boroughs on the regeneration of surrounding areas and the City Bridge Trust, which it oversees, donates around £20m to charity every year.