The preferred design for a bridge from Nine Elms to Pimlico has been unveiled after more than 70 entries in a competition run by Wandsworth Council.

Bystrup Architecture Design and Engineering's entry has been endorsed unanimously by the contest's jury panel, and called a "thing of real beauty".

Wandsworth Times:

The bridge, which will link the new development near Battersea to north of the river, would be funded by £26m from the Nine Elms development itself with further funding to be identified as the detailed design is created.

From December: Could you win design competition for Nine Elms to Pimlico bridge?

Graham Stirk, senior partner at Rogers Stirk Harbour and Partners and chairman of the competition jury panel, said: "This was an extremely difficult choice between four excellent teams, but ultimately we felt that Bystrup and their partners had the most compelling approach to the challenges posed in our brief.

"Their strategy is elegant and simple, they aspire to celebrate the river and create a thing of real beauty which is what this bridge should be.

"Their light touch approach to landing points is commendable and the exploration of lighting and textured surfaces to manage movement across the bridge is both interesting and inventive. They see the bridge as a sustainable transport link and piece of new public realm which should be attractive, fun and a pleasure to use."

The competition began earlier in the year and attracted 74 entries from around the world.

Erik Bystrup, speaking on behalf of the team, said: "From the outset we wanted to design an elegant bridge that provided simple and uninhibited access for all, with minimal impact landings on each bank.

"We are very excited that this will be the first shared pedestrian and cycle bridge over the Thames, adding to the rich history of London’s river crossings."

The design team had to develop a bridge which would be high enough above the banks to allow large vessels through, without creating slopes too steep for cyclists and pedestrians.

The creation also has to be accessible for disabled people, bicycles, and walkers in both directions.

The scheme would need to go through the planning system before it could be built, and would need consent from Wandsworth and Westminster Councils, as well as the Mayor of London.

Ravi Govindia, leader of Wandsworth Council and member of the jury panel, said: "This team has impressed at every stage of the competition, combining a light and graceful design ideas with an inventive approach to the core transport challenges.

"We are convinced they have the talent to develop a successful bridge design which would be both a valuable river crossing and a beautiful addition to the Thames."

The panel's recommendation will be discussed by Wandsworth's finance and corporate resources committee, with a final decision to be taken by the executive on November 30.