New images of the planned pedestrian and cycle bridge across the Grand Union Canal in Alperton have been unveiled, as work continues to improve accessibility and connectivity in the Brent community, as part of a wider £5 million regeneration plan.
Images released by the project’s design team, AECOM, the world’s trusted infrastructure consultants, show more clearly how the bridge will look once complete.
The sculptural design will provide a more direct east-west pedestrian and cycle network in and around Alperton, connecting the Grand Union development to the towpath on the southwestern side of the canal, the Abbey Estate and Park Royal employment hub.
The bridge features a gently curving structure with slender steel columns that blend with surrounding tree trunks and vegetation. The 4m-wide deck is flanked by steel girders and topped with 1.5m-high repeating steel fins, creating a light and kinetic feel that appears to shift in the sunlight.
Fabricated from low-maintenance weathering steel, the bridge will have a distinctive rust-like, earthy appearance commemorating the site’s industrial past. A ‘half-through’ deck design enables efficient structural performance with minimum bridge depth, reducing ramp lengths to enhance accessibility for all users and minimise environmental impact.
The design embraces the canal’s unique location, offering a journey through natural habitat and wildlife areas. The bridge will afford canopy-level views and panoramic vistas across the Grand Union Canal as it opens over the water.
The bridge will provide safer off-road walking and cycling options, reduce journey times and promote healthier, more active lifestyles by encouraging recreational use of the canal space, connecting 3,350 homes.
Erik Behrens, Architecture Director, AECOM, said: “We wanted to design a bridge that embraces its distinct location and blends fluidly into its surroundings. One that would offer a sculptural yet natural experience that takes people on a journey through habitat and wildlife spaces, with tree canopy views and vistas across the Grand Union Canal as the bridge opens up over the water. The raw finish of the weathering steel adds authenticity and depth to this modern design, commemorating the site’s industrial past while creating a light and kinetic feel.”
Jack Summerhayes, Project Manager AECOM, added: “Structurally, the 'half-through' deck provides an efficient solution that reduces bridge depth and ramp lengths, making it more accessible for all users while minimising impact on the habitat. Designing within such a constrained and environmentally sensitive site brings unique challenges, but also opportunities to deliver innovative, sustainable solutions that respect the area's natural and historical features.
“Our integrated team is drawing on expertise across engineering, architecture, landscape and ecology to ensure the final design is not only functional and durable, but also enhances the local environment and supports active travel for years to come. With the exception of the foundations, all components will be fabricated offsite and lifted into place, ensuring a swift installation with minimal disruption to the environment and canal operations.”
Yaz Aboubakar, Brent Council, said: “The project is out to public consultation and the community is also invited to help choose a name for the new bridge. The feedback of the community will help to develop the plans ahead of submitting a planning application later this year”.
The work is being delivered through Perfect Circle, a unique partnership between AECOM, Pick Everard, Gleeds and via the SCAPE consultancy framework.
