Celebrating 25 Years of the Millennium Bridge

Did you know that the Cross River Partnership (CRP) was originally established to deliver the Millennium and Hungerford Footbridges across the River Thames? 

Although the idea of expanding central London south of the Thames emerged as early as the 1940s, the necessary conditions, such as available space and political support, did not come together until the early to mid-1990s. This shift was largely driven by increasing demand for commercial space in central London, particularly on the north side of the river, which had become heavily constrained. The formation of CRP in 1995 was a deliberate step towards enabling that expansion and supporting the continued prosperity of central London. 

CRP’s early work included: 

• Delivery of the Millennium footbridge and the two Hungerford footbridges. 

• Completion of the continuous riverside walk along the south side of the river. 

• Upgrading use of the railway arches and public spaces associated with the railway viaduct running along the south side of the river. 

• Improving the quality of public realm, streets, squares, parks, open spaces, river piers, especially those associated with Tate Modern and Globe Theatre.  

• Remodelling of the Royal Festival Hall and Vauxhall Cross public transport interchange. 

• Transformation of the Borough Market from wholesale to retail. 

The Millennium Bridge emerged as a powerful symbol of this newly expanded central London and its connection to the historic core. 

We join City Bridge Foundation, the charity responsible for maintaining the Millennium Bridge, in celebrating 25 years of this iconic and influential London landmark.