A new section of the Thames Path outside a high-rise development in Battersea has been opened for the first time in 120 years.

Wandsworth councillors were joined by residential property developers Barratt London to celebrate the occasion outside Lombard Wharf, marked by a ribbon cutting ceremony and a plaque being unveiled.

Councillor Ravi Govindia, leader of Wandsworth Council, said: “This is another stretch of the Thames path that has been opened up by the council enabling new development in Battersea, and for the first time in at least 120 years.

“It is testament to how the riverside is being restored and returned to people, from being inaccessible industrial land previously, and illustrates the renaissance of this area through new homes, new businesses, new jobs, new investment, and the Diamond Jubilee Bridge.”

The area features marble benches that allows visitors to view the River Thames on the pathway, and it is hoped that the section will become the location of the Diamond Jubilee Bridge that aims to connect Lombard Wharf to Imperial Wharf.

Negotiations are underway to secure additional funding and the council is said to soon undertake pre-construction work on the river.

If remaining funding is secured soon, then the bridge could be open in the summer of 2019.

Stephen Day, managing director of Barratt London Brentford, said: “We are immensely proud of this iconic development and honoured to be joined by councillor Govindia to celebrate this fantastic occasion.

“This new area of Thames Path can now be enjoyed by the entire community and will also provide a useful cycle and pedestrian route.”

The path was opened on Thursday, October 12.