(MENAFN- The Peninsula) The project to create a garden bridge over the River Thames between Waterloo Bridge and Blackfriars got the final go-ahead on Friday, with the office of the London mayor announcing construction could start in 2015.

"Construction of a new Garden Bridge over the River Thames could begin next year after the scheme was given the green light by the Mayor of London's office," said an official statement.

The 366 metre-long bridge "will include a major new public space and garden that will be free to access and will feature 270 trees as well as shrubs, climbing plants, hedges and flowers," it added. The bridge, due for completion in 2018, will be open from 6am to midnight and will be free of charge.

"The Garden Bridge will provide a fantastic new landmark for London whilst supporting regeneration and economic growth on both sides of the Thames," said mayor Boris Johnson.

"It will create a stunning oasis of tranquillity in the heart of our city and boost our plans to encourage walking in the city."

The London borough of Westminster, which will partly host the bridge, gave its approval at the beginning of the month.Lambeth Council, which will host the rest, had already given the green light for the £175m ($274m) project.

The bridge would connect London's South Bank with Temple underground railway station on the north side and would be the 19th bridge in the British capital.