In November 1869 Queen Victoria opened two red bridges in London in one day — Blackfriars and Holborn Viaduct.
No royals were present at the opening of the bright red pedestrian boardwalk at Canada Water in November 2024 although there were a few regal fowl, in the guise of oversized swan puppets.
Asif Khan — the starchitect behind plans for the new London Museum — designed the 170m-long bridge, which meanders over the Canada Water dock, and promises to bring pedestrians closer to nature. The structure was officially opened on 2 November 2024, with a parade featuring Brixton Chamber Orchestra, stilt walkers and larger-than-life swan puppets mimicking the mute swans that call Canada Water home.
The crossing is made from sustainable timber; the Surrey Docks once traded heavily in wood, which was carried by the deal porters, to who a commemorative sculpture already exists.
Another undulating pedestrian bridge is set to come the Royal Docks in the coming years.
