Clapham Rail Bridge Design Competition
26th August 2025
We are delighted to announce the launch of Gateway to Clapham, an international design ideas competition that invites architects, artists and designers to reimagine the railway bridge over Clapham High Street.
Organised jointly by the Clapham Society and This is Clapham (Clapham BID) this ambitious initiative aims to transform one of Clapham’s most prominent landmarks into a bold and inspiring gateway to our neighbourhood.
The competition will officially launch in the September 2025, and will feature in the October 2025 issue of Architects’ Journal, inviting creative professionals from across the UK and beyond to put forward their vision for this much-loved yet underwhelming structure. Despite its prime location near Clapham High Street and Clapham North stations, the existing bridge is a purely functional piece of infrastructure with limited contribution to the public realm. This project seeks to change that.
The design brief challenges participants to propose bold yet buildable ideas that spark joy, improve safety and instil local pride. Interventions may include lighting, re-cladding, public art, greening, or new way-finding strategies. The bridge’s rich history, dating back to the Victorian era, offers fertile ground for design teams to create a landmark that both honours Clapham’s past and reflects its contemporary diversity.
To view a copy of the Design Brief click here
Held in two phases, the competition will shortlist up to four proposals to develop further, each receiving an honorarium. The winning vision will form the basis for future implementation, subject to funding and planning approvals. Community engagement will be central throughout the process, ensuring the final design reflects the aspirations of those who live, work, and travel through Clapham every day.
This is a rare opportunity to help shape the future of one of Clapham’s most recognisable urban features. A memorandum in response to questions will be published before the submission deadline.
If you would like to register for the competition, please email competitions@claphamsociety.com and kindly complete and return the form in the Gateway To Clapham Competition brief document, by Friday 26th September 2025. Please note it is not mandatory that you sign up to the Clapham Society as part of the registration process.
Many thanks to everyone who has submitted questions, please find a link below with the memorandum in response to question
Gateway To Clapham Competition Brief
Click Here if you would like to download 2D and 3D models of the rail bridge