Merchant Square Footbridge

Major real estate developer European Land sought to radically improve their public realm and raise the profile of the Merchant Square, a commercial and residential quarter at Paddington Basin, London. They recognised the power of a bridge to create a valuable sense of place and brand identity.

The competition-winning concept for the replacement opening footbridge is both simple and spectacular. Spanning the Grand Union Canal at the heart of the new development, a 3m wide cantilevering deck is hinged at its north end and is raised using hydraulic jacks. The deck is divided longitudinally so it opens with an action similar to that of a traditional Japanese hand fan.

In motion it is an eye-catching kinetic sculpture whose dramatic silhouette is well suited to the waterfront bars and restaurants. The five steel beams forming the deck open in sequence and employ shaped counterweights to assist the hydraulic mechanism and reduce the energy required.

Listed in The Guardian newspaper’s “World’s Most Striking Pedestrian Bridges”, the bridge is on the London tourist trail and even made an appearance in the 2016 film “Jason Bourne”.