A plan to extend the Thames Path along the waterside by 100 yards at London Bridge is expected to be considered by Southwark Council next year.
At present the Thames Path is by the river from Tower Bridge but on approaching upstream London Bridge it suddenly turns inland along a passage known as St Olaf Stairs.
The TP then passes under London Bridge via Tooley Street to reach riverside Cathedral Square.
The proposal would see the TP continue past St Olaf Stairs passage to reach the wall of London Bridge. Here the trail would turn to join Tooley Street and run under the bridge.
The change would also allow walkers to pass over a new marked surface indicating the landing of London Bridge prior to 1831.
The possible improvement follows the decision of St Martin’s Property Investments to demolish No 1 London Bridge dating from 1988 and well-known for its very steep riverside stairs up to the bridge.
The proposed new building has been designed by Foster + Partners.
A public consultation is being held at Hay’s Galleria on Saturday 14 November from 10am to 2pm.
***St Olafs Stairs passage is named after St Olave’s church which stood on the eastern side from Norman times. This year is the centenary of the Georgian successor building being declared redundant and demolished. The site is now occupied by St Olaf House.
