An international design contest has been launched by Wandsworth Council for a new bridge crossing London’s River Thames from Nine Elms to Pimlico embankment.

The bridge is seen as a key part of a £1bn ($1.5bn, €1.3bn) infrastructure package that is in place to transform and regenerate the Nine Elms district, with the crossing offering a car-free alternative that would boost active commuting.

In a feasibility study by Transport for London (TFL) completed in 2013, a strong case was found for the bridge as it would provide pedestrians and cyclists with a new safe place to cross the Thames. The report suggested the bridge could cost £40m (US$62m, €51m) and carry 9,000 walkers as well as 9,000 cyclists daily.

Wandsworth Council is looking for an ‘inspiring and innovative’ design that would fulfil the needs of the local communities on both sides of the river. Currently, around £26m (US$40.6m, €33.1m) is committed to the project, with more funding expected.

In a statement, council leader Ravi Govindia said: “This bridge has the potential to become an inspiring landmark, heralding the changes that are taking place south of the river and making vital connections to the north shore. The transport case is strong and this will be a valuable and sustainable addition to London’s transport infrastructure.”

The competition will be held in two stages. The first is asking for teams to submit information about themselves and how they would approach five specific design challenges. From this, four teams will be chosen to proceed to the second stage where a competitive dialogue process will begin before the final winner is chosen.

This new proposal has appeared just a week since Thomas Heatherwick’s controversial Garden Bridge was awarded planning permission by Westminster Council.