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The idea was already floated in the late 2000s - Sustrans were involved, I think. It was a lifting design that time.
As the plug was pulled then I suspect that the projected costings were a bit much for the Mayor and TFL to stomach. My own preference is for small scale projects first to demonstrate demand (I was serious about the ferry).
Vanneau
Erm, is the Thames appreciably any wider there than at Tower Bridge? A quick look at the OS level of streetmap.co.uk suggests that it isn't significantly wider at the cusp of the curve. As for openable, if you're only planning on loading non-motorised traffic, your engineering for that becomes infinitely more variable and easier.
That brings you to the notion of a "toll". Even in fairweather scenarios, you'll get more people walking and/or cycling to work which will have an onward benefit in terms of health costs, business efficiency savings, reduced traffic impacts etc. It has all of the hallmarks of a spend to save project. If you could get the businesses in Canary Wharf to buy into the idea you have the potential to level the type of project investment that would be very favourable for the city. You could even exploit options for an ultralight rail system to be built in and a handy " when is the bridge going to open" app for android phones.