Following on from the launch of a Taplow-wide competition earlier in the year, where members of the community were invited to submit suggestions to name the new bridge at Taplow Riverside, the selection process has now reached its final stage.
Berkeley Homes received over 100 submissions from members of the local community and the three most popular options were: Taplow Bridge, Knights Bridge, and Boutlers Footbridge. Now, the top picks are being re-released for a final vote, as the public have the ultimate say as to what the name will be for this iconic landmark.
Unveiled by local MP Theresa May in November 2018, the bridge forms part of the design for Berkeley Homes' Taplow Riverside development, and offers a pedestrian ingress to the Thames Path for the first time, connecting the development to nearby Maidenhead.
The bridge, which won Chilterns Buildings Design Awards 2019, was designed by specialist designer Martin Knight of Knights Architecture in association with structural engineer COWI. The bridge's shallow arch design in steel is a modern companion to the double-archway shape of the nearby Maidenhead Railway Bridge by Brunel, which boasts the widest and flattest arches in the world.
Benjamin Ivey, Sales and Marketing Director at Berkeley Homes (Oxford & Chiltern), said: "We're very proud that appreciation for Taplow's iconic new bridge has been reflected in the number of name submissions we received, and we look forward to revealing the new name to the local community in September. The bridge benefits the wider community and provides a great connection to neighbouring Maidenhead. We are delighted to have been able to provide a much-needed bridge, which now allows local residents to fully enjoy Thameside walks and walking access into Maidenhead for the first time."
Berkeley's Taplow Riverside also includes large areas of open space with meadows, picnic areas, a country park with ponds and walking trails, riverside walks dotted with viewing platforms and the Roux at Skindles restaurant. The Boat Yard, an all-day bar and café, is also set to open in 2021.
There are a range of homes currently for sale at Taplow Riverside. For more information visit www.taplowriverside.co.uk, or to book a visit contact sales.oxford@berkeleyhomes.co.uk or 01753 336 289.
The official name of the bridge will be announced in September.