Somers Town Bridge

London, England

2015 — 2017

Client King’s Cross Central Limited Partnership

Foot & Cycle

A slender design for pedestrians and cyclists traveling between the urbanism of Coal Drops Yard and the respite of Camley Street Natural Park, linking King’s Cross and Somers Town.

A scenic view of a reclaimed urban park with a canal and brick bridge in the foreground. Leafless trees stand by the water, with modern buildings and a partially visible gas holder structure on the right under a clear blue sky.

‘Moxon's King's Cross Bridge is a love-letter to Victorian Engineering’

Architect's Journal, July 2017

Paying homage to the area’s Victorian industrial heritage, the bridge is designed in close response to the conservation area and listed structures surrounding it, including St Pancras Water Tower and the iconic Gasholders. The lightweight crossing meets complex structural demands with robust engineering, and the simple beam design focuses attention on high-quality materials and detailed craftsmanship.

A modern, curved pedestrian bridge spans across the image, surrounded by tall, leafy trees under a partly cloudy blue sky. The bridge features a minimalist design with a sleek railing.

A person walks along a modern metal bridge surrounded by railings. In the background, there is a red brick building with tall chimneys and trees. The sky is clear and blue.

The crossing includes a sweeping ramp that brings visitors up to the canal with a fence that transitions from planed hardwood to stainless steel. This continues onto the bridge as the parapet, connecting the curved profile of the beam and the straight line of the handrail. With the structural depth of the bridge above deck level and stiffeners skewed to align with the canal, clear views are maintained for boats using the locks and pedestrians enjoying the towpath below.

Working with Arup, the design represents close partnership with King’s Cross Central and multiple stakeholder groups, including The Canal & River Trust, London Borough of Camden and London Wildlife Trust.