A proposed 6000 sqm pedestrian footbridge, dubbed the Garden Bridge, which will comprise a public garden which is free and open to all, has been given the backing of the Mayor of London's office.

The Garden Bridge will provide a dedicated crossing of the Thames for pedestrians in central London, it will be 366m long and will connect Temple on the north bank to the South Bank, and is based between Blackfriars and Waterloo bridges.

Westminster City Council and Lambeth Council have already resolved to grant consent for the bridge. Chief of Staff and Deputy Mayor for Planning Sir Edward Lister has confirmed that he was happy to give these planning decisions the green light.

Boris Johnson, The Mayor of London, said: "The Garden Bridge will provide a fantastic new landmark for London whilst supporting regeneration and economic growth on both sides of the Thames. It will create a stunning oasis of tranquillity in the heart of our city and boost our plans to encourage walking in the city."

The Garden Bridge Trust has shortlisted three civil engineering contractors who all demonstrated substantial international experience on similar projects and the capability to complete complex works, required to build a bridge over a working river. The selection included detailed submissions made by a variety of UK and international contractors.

The shortlisted contractors are:
- BAM Nuttall
- A Bouygues TP/Cimolai Venture
- Dragados

The three contractors are competing for the opportunity to complete the detailed design and construction of the Garden Bridge, with appointment in late Spring 2015 followed by commencement of construction in Autumn 2015. The Garden Bridge is due to open to the public in summer 2018.