Jilted Rotherhithe architect still plans to bid for £100m bridge

Snubbed Rotherhithe Bridge architect ReForm will bid for a role on the £100m project when the design-and-build procurement process starts.

The Southwark-based practice created a design for the pedestrian-and-cycle bridge four years ago but Transport for London (TfL) instead appointed Knight Architects and consultant Arcadis to work up the technical scope of the scheme.

TfL plans to issue an Ojeu for the main works in September and ReForm told BD it was interested in teaming up with a contractor for the design-and-build contract.

“We will be having talks with a number of contractors about potentially pairing up during the procurement process,” said ReForm managing director Nik Randall.

“We have a design, we understand the site and its constraints and we have already assembled a team including experienced bridge engineers Buro Happold.”

Contractors thought to be preparing bids for the work include Costain, Morgan Sindall and Skanska, who were the three firms picked by TfL for a roads framework earlier this year.

The idea for the Rotherhithe Bridge was first proposed in 2006 by cycling and walking charity Sustrans, which suggested a Thames crossing from Durand’s Wharf near Canada Water to Westferry Road on the Isle of Dogs. ReForm dreew up its design in 2013, working with engineer Elliott Wood, and an Arup costing priced the project at £100m. TfL’s proposed scheme is in the same location.

According to TfL’s procurement timetable, a shortlist of bidders will be announced in December, with a public consultation on the design beginning in January. The contract award is likely to take place later in 2018, with final completion in 2020 or 2021.