THAMES VISION PROGRESS REVIEW 2016-2020
2035 Thames Vision Progress Review 2016-2020
Introduction
Contents Introduction
We rst the newly-created Thames Estuary Growth Introduction Page 3 started Board. consulting on Beyond the detail of the six goals, what The Port of London Page 4 the long-term impact has the Vision had? The biggest Authority: a Trust Port Vision for the bene t has been turning people’s eyes to the Highlights Page 6 tidal Thames river and getting the potential of the river in spring ‘back on the map’. Five years on, use of the Port of London: Page 8 2015. The river features in the London Plan, mayoral More trade, more jobs resulting strategies and borough planning guidance. Inland Waterways Freight: Page 12 Thames Vison 2035 was published in summer The restrictions of last year mean that the More goods o roads onto 2016. Since then we have seen marked practical bene ts of the Vision in terms of river the river progress in many areas of river use. It has also use were masked. Taking 2019 as a reference been a time of change for the UK and the point though, we can see strong and Passenger Transport: Page 16 world, with Brexit, an accelerating pace in the continued progress across the port, inland More journeys response to climate change and the shock of freight and sports participation. the COVID pandemic. As a Trust Port we are uniquely placed to bring Sport and Recreation: Page 20 With the vaccine roll out and a ‘new normal’ people together to debate and frame the More participants now hopefully in sight, the time is right to river’s future. The strategic view we take Environment and Page 24 pause, review progress and look again to means we have scope to invest in support of Heritage: ensure the Thames is ready to play a full role in greater river use and improving amenity. Over Improved tidal Thames the recovery and transition towards a vibrant the ve years covered by this Progress Review, environment Net Zero economy. the PLA has invested more than £20 million This publication is the rst part of that acquiring and bringing safeguarded wharves Community and Culture: Page 28 endeavour: a review tracking progress over back into use, and improving habitats in south More people enjoying the last ve years. It provides the starting Essex and north Kent, in partnership with the the Thames and its banks point for consultation on a new Thames RSPB. Vision 2050. The tidal Thames in 2050 will be a very Shaping Thames Page 32 It is important to recall that the Vision was the di erent place as we collectively work towards Vision 2050 rst river-wide development framework. It a safe and sustainable future shaped by new was developed with stakeholders and took technologies, changing cities, emissions the broadest view of the river across trade, reduction and climate resilience. If you’d like travel, sport, environment and culture. to help shape it, please have your say when There were elements where we at the PLA led, the consultation opens in the summer. others where we worked closely with partners including terminal operators and vessel owners, the Greater London Authority, Robin Mortimer Transport for London, riparian boroughs, Chief Executive non-governmental organisations and latterly May 2021
page 3 Thames Vision Progress Review 2016-2020
The Port of London Authority – a Trust Port
About us At the Port of London Authority (PLA) we are us in May 2018 to launch the PLA the Custodians of the tidal Thames. We hold Investment Plan, with the twin objectives of
the river in trust, working to hand it on in a accelerating delivery of Thames Vision goals Port Trust a Authority– of London Port better condition to future generations and and diversifying our income streams. realising the goals of the Thames Vision. We have since invested more than £20 As a Trust Port we work closely with our million across three categories: stakeholders in maintaining a safe river, b Category 1 – commercial investments, Safety caring for the environment and promoting supporting river/port use, generating An underlying assumption throughout the use of the Thames. commercial rates of return original Vision was that growing river use Department for Transport guidance b Category 2 – long-term investments with had to be achieved with high levels of describes a Trust Port as: ‘a valuable asset a long payback period, which also safety. We work with ship and terminal presently safeguarded by the existing Board, deliver public bene ts operators, the Maritime & Coastguard whose duty it is to hand it on in the same or b Category 3 – public bene t investments, Agency (MCA), RNLI and emergency services better condition to succeeding generations. with no nancial return expected to maintain and improve river safety. This remains the ultimate responsibility of As we must remain pro table, generating The initiatives undertaken include working the Board, and future generations remain returns for further investment the majority with operators and groups to raise safety has already assisted in identifying new the ultimate stakeholder.’ of investment has so far been in category 1: safety initiatives, including improving the Investing in the river wharf acquisition for reactivation; and cargo issues, providing improved safety guidance, promoting continuous improvement in collective response to river incidents. As a ‘not for dividend’ organisation, any handling infrastructure. This generates vessel standards and encouraging improved Over the ve years covered by this review surplus we generate from our operations is returns for further investment such as the reporting of incidents and near misses to there has been a progressive reduction in retained for reinvestment in more e cient £150,000 category 3 investment in habitat the PLA and MCA. Interpretation of this data serious navigational incidents (see graph services, supporting greater river use and improvement at RSPB nature reserves in below). improving the river. This exibility allowed south Essex and north Kent. In early 2021, we also 14 launched the 12 Serious navigational incidents on the Sustainable Innovation tidal Thames (2016-2020) Fund, a catalyst for new 10 and emerging 8 technology which 6 10 13 9 6 0 provide lower and zero 4 emissions solutions for 2 recognised Thames No. df incidents No. 0 needs. 2016 2017 20186 2019 2020
page 4 page 5 Thames Vision Progress Review 2016-2020 Thames Vision Progress Review 2016-2020
2016-2020 Highlights Highlights
Community and Port Inland waterways Passenger travel Sport and recreation Environment freight culture b The Port became the UK’s b Non-project freight b Around 10 million river b Active Thames created to b Thames Tideway Tunnel b Case for a River Thames largest in 2020, sustaining movements: peak volume passenger trips a year give more people greater on track to be operational Cultural Vision developed resilient supply chains of 3.4 million tonnes in from 2015 to 2019 access to the river by 2025, resulting in a with stakeholders and b Peak trade in the period 2017, compared to four b Public and private b Record 430 river events cleaner Thames jointly published with the 54 million tonnes (2019), million tonnes 2035 target investment provided consented in 2019 b Air Quality Strategy for the GLA three pier extensions and compared to 2015 b The Safeguarded Wharves b Active Thames Partnership tidal Thames launched b Nine bridges lit through two new piers baseline of 45 million Review concluded and Agreements signed with (2018), action plan Illuminated River project – b TfL/London River tonnes recommendations National Governing Bodies progressed around a draw for visitors Services Passenger Pier and others to drive sport carbon/emission goals; Major exhibition planned, b Major investment con rmed by Secretary of Strategy launched, in b participation on the updated Strategy drawing on the unique included Tilbury2, London State, with new directions partnership with PLA published (2020) Gateway Berth 3, C-Ro issued and river operators in Thames PLA archive, to be opened Pur eet and new OIKOS b Wharf reactivation 2019 b Grants made to seven b Mayor’s Air Quality Fund at the Museum of London deepwater jetty progressed, with Peruvian b Further new piers clubs, supporting over 500 supporting vessel retro ts Docklands in autumn 2021 b A further £900 million now operational and Royal planned for Barking new sports participants in to demonstrate clean b Jointly supported investment in terminals Primrose acquired – PLA Riverside, Blackwall Yard, the rst six months technology publication of A River’s planned over next ve investment in excess of Grays, Tilbury and b Thames Coastal Path set to b Greening Inland Shipping Tale, a book by Museum of years £20 million Ordnance Wharf on the be completed by Natural events developed and London Archaeology, on Greenwich Peninsula b More than £3 million b River freight included in England, creating the rst hosted by the PLA to the ndings of the Thames invested by the PLA in Freight in London b River eet expanded and full Source to Sea route showcase new technology Discovery Programme enhanced through pilot recruitment, training Infrastructure Toolkit b New combined Tideway b Sustainable Innovation b Extended education investment by City and IT systems to meet b First light freight operation Code safety guide issued Fund launched by the PLA support and mentoring Cruises, Uber Boat by growing demand set up by DHL for rowers, kayakers, to support development supported through PLA Thames Clippers, Thames canoeists and stand-up of technology suited to partnerships with Thames b A13 widening underway b Planned consolidation of River Services and other paddle boarders use on the Thames Festival Trust, Thames between Orsett and City markets to riverside operators b Habitat improvements Explorer Trust and London Stanford-le-Hope site at Dagenham will drive b Study completed by Youth Rowing b Essential river crossings future river use Arup mapping out completed at RSPB nature being progressed at long-term river travel reserves in south Essex Silvertown and Lower potential and steps and north Kent, funded by Thames Crossing needed to achieve it £150,000 PLA investment
page 6 page 7 Tilbury2 Thames Vision Progress Review 2016-2020
November 2013. This new facility opened the and CEMEX have ordered new dredgers to and Highways England is shortly to submit its infrastructure needs of the growing port with Thames up for the rst time as a destination supply their expanded aggregates terminals. Development Consent Order for the Lower representatives from Government, for the largest container ships in the world. At the PLA we continued investing to facilitate Thames Crossing. infrastructure providers, terminals and Gateway has progressively established itself as the growth of the port. Over the last ve years We continue to convene the Port operators. a destination for vessel calls, with volumes we have recruited and trained more than 50 Infrastructure Group, discussing the growing by up to 30%. Its success is founded pilots – an investment of £3 million servicing on continued investment, including the growing port trade. opening of Berth 3 in 2017, using the latest Through our Investment Plan, developed to cargo handling technology, adjacent logistics support greater use of the river, we invested in park – the largest in Europe – and resilience to a new conveyor system for CEMEX’s North eet adverse weather. terminal in a deal which provides modern, Port of London: More trade, more jobs more trade, More of London: Port Forth Ports is developing the Port of Tilbury resilient equipment, and nancial returns we through a £250 million programme of can use for future investment. investment. Phase one of the latest Transport connectivity is key to the e cient development, Tilbury2, the country’s largest onward movement of freight from terminals unaccompanied freight ferry terminal, opened on the Thames. The widening of the A13 Port of London in 2020 with P&O as tenants. Tilbury’s between Stanford-le-Hope and the Orsett ongoing growth has seen the number of Cock roundabout, which is due to be people directly employed on site rise from completed in 2021, allows freight to be moved More trade, more jobs 3,500 in 2012 to nearly 12,000 in 2020. swiftly from the Thurrock ports to the rest of Other terminal operators developing and the country. Vision said: The busiest ever Port of London, handling expanding their presence on the Thames Progress is also being made on a range of 60–80 million tonnes of cargo each year, on the doorstep included C-Ro Ports/Cobelfret, OIKOS, infrastructure projects, including the of Europe’s biggest metropolitan consumer market Navigator, Shell and Exolum. C-Ro developed additional river crossings identi ed as a Delivery: From a baseline of 45 million tonnes in 2015, their terminal, ready to serve new, larger priority in the Thames Vision. Construction of vessels brought into service by CLdN. Hanson the Silvertown Tunnel started in early 2021 trade increased and exceeded the top-end target
range at 54 million tonnes in 2019, however the impact of the COVID-19 Total Port Cargo (actual to 2020) & Stamford Research Group Forecast (million tonnes) pandemic brought this down by 12% to 47.4 million tonnes in 2020 100 92.7
2020 82.7 The fall in cargo throughput re ects reduced supported by the diversity of cargoes handled 80 75.8 economic activity, in light of COVID-19 and location, serving the UK’s largest 79 64.6 72.7 Target 67.7 Trajectory restrictions rst introduced in March 2020. concentration of population. 53.2 54 60 49.9 59.9 The cargoes most impacted were oil products 50.4 Longer term 49.3 55.9 45.4 53.1 and gases, with a drop of 4.5 million tonnes, Trade volumes in the port had increased by 47.4 51.3 re ecting a fall in demand for road, and 20% between 2015 and 2019, in line with 40 particularly aviation, fuel. Building materials similar UK economic and population growth
volumes fell more than one million tonnes, in London and the south-east of England. This 20 linked to a reduction in construction activity. growth in port trade was facilitated by Despite this fall in trade volume, the Port of continued investment in terminals, vessels 0 London was the largest port in the UK in 2020. and supporting infrastructure. 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 2035 The relative resilience of trade in the port is DP World London Gateway had opened in Actual High Medium Low
page 8 page 9 Thames Vision Progress Review 2016-2020 Thames Vision Progress Review 2016-2020
November 2013. This new facility opened the and CEMEX have ordered new dredgers to and Highways England is shortly to submit its infrastructure needs of the growing port with Outlook Thames up for the rst time as a destination supply their expanded aggregates terminals. Development Consent Order for the Lower representatives from Government, The COVID-19 pandemic has for the largest container ships in the world. At the PLA we continued investing to facilitate Thames Crossing. infrastructure providers, terminals and slowed the economy and Gateway has progressively established itself as the growth of the port. Over the last ve years We continue to convene the Port operators. trade into the Port of London. a destination for vessel calls, with volumes we have recruited and trained more than 50 Infrastructure Group, discussing the Our economic impact study growing by up to 30%. Its success is founded pilots – an investment of £3 million servicing Priority action Delivery update found that some £900 million on continued investment, including the growing port trade. investment is planned opening of Berth 3 in 2017, using the latest Through our Investment Plan, developed to Sustain private sector b Investment in the port throughout the period, included: London nevertheless, which will cargo handling technology, adjacent logistics support greater use of the river, we invested in investment Gateway Berth 3 and logistics park; Port of Tilbury Logistics Park provide the platform for park – the largest in Europe – and resilience to a new conveyor system for CEMEX’s North eet and Tilbury2; OIKOS; Navigator; Nustar and C-Ro Ports jetty redevelopments, as well as PLA- nanced discharge facility at future growth. This adverse weather. terminal in a deal which provides modern, CEMEX North eet. investment will include the jobs more trade, More of London: Port Forth Ports is developing the Port of Tilbury resilient equipment, and nancial returns we continued development of through a £250 million programme of can use for future investment. Improve b Core navigation systems upgraded, including Broadness radar and navigational new radar station at North eet. New pilotage and hydrographic London Gateway towards its investment. Phase one of the latest Transport connectivity is key to the e cient access to the port survey vessels brought into service. Channel dredging full six berth capacity and development, Tilbury2, the country’s largest onward movement of freight from terminals assessments also undertaken. further development at unaccompanied freight ferry terminal, opened on the Thames. The widening of the A13 DP World London Gateway Tilbury, with a new building in 2020 with P&O as tenants. Tilbury’s between Stanford-le-Hope and the Orsett Improve rail and road materials hub at Tilbury2. Alongside continued investment and trade ongoing growth has seen the number of Cock roundabout, which is due to be access to port The principal in uences on trade will be the recovery, infrastructure improvements to people directly employed on site rise from completed in 2021, allows freight to be moved operations/terminals, recovery from the pandemic, Brexit impacts support the UK’s biggest port will continue 3,500 in 2012 to nearly 12,000 in 2020. swiftly from the Thurrock ports to the rest of including: on trading patterns, the successful Thames too. Construction of the Silvertown Tunnel Other terminal operators developing and the country. Lower Thames b Further consultation on Lower Thames Crossing expected in June Freeport bid and the transition to Net Zero. started in early 2021 and the Lower Thames expanding their presence on the Thames Progress is also being made on a range of Crossing, downstream 2021; Development Consent Order due for submission later in The Trade and Economic Forecast Study we Crossing continues to advance through included C-Ro Ports/Cobelfret, OIKOS, infrastructure projects, including the of Tilbury, by 2025 2021. have commissioned through Oxford planning and procurement. Navigator, Shell and Exolum. C-Ro developed additional river crossings identi ed as a At least three further b Silvertown Tunnel consortium appointed, construction Economics for the Thames Vision refresh will Our focus on operational safety remains a their terminal, ready to serve new, larger priority in the Thames Vision. Construction of Thames crossings to underway ahead of planned opening in 2025. shed greater light on port trade expectations fundamental underpinning to the Vision. We vessels brought into service by CLdN. Hanson the Silvertown Tunnel started in early 2021 the east of Tower b Rotherhithe-Canary Wharf crossing paused due to COVID-19 Bridge, that allow funding restrictions. out to 2050. are assessing options to upgrade our port continuation of river The major Thames terminals’ plans for control systems and investing in our pilotage trade; the rst by 2022 emissions reduction are captured in the service, with the recruitment of more trainee Widening of the A13, b Widening of A13 work well underway, completion due 2021. updated Air Quality Strategy for the tidal pilots. 2020 by the end of 2018 Thames, released in summer 2020. The fall in cargo throughput re ects reduced supported by the diversity of cargoes handled Closure of level b Issue is limited to one terminal and assessment indicates economic activity, in light of COVID-19 and location, serving the UK’s largest crossings a ecting an alternative action is required. restrictions rst introduced in March 2020. concentration of population. operational terminals, The cargoes most impacted were oil products Longer term by 2020 Deliver e cient, and gases, with a drop of 4.5 million tonnes, Trade volumes in the port had increased by b Continued investment in trainee pilot recruitment and new re ecting a fall in demand for road, and e ective and allocation system. Service levels improved alongside increasing 20% between 2015 and 2019, in line with sustainable PLA particularly aviation, fuel. Building materials ship calls: 9,585 sea pilotage acts in 2016, with a service level at similar UK economic and population growth harbour and pilotage 95%; 10,607 sea pilotage acts in 2019, with a service level above volumes fell more than one million tonnes, in London and the south-east of England. This services to support 98%. linked to a reduction in construction activity. growth in port trade was facilitated by growth Despite this fall in trade volume, the Port of continued investment in terminals, vessels London was the largest port in the UK in 2020. and supporting infrastructure. The relative resilience of trade in the port is DP World London Gateway had opened in
page 10 Page 11 Barge loading with aggregates Thames Vision Progress Review 2016-2020
Total Intra-port Tra c (actual to 2020) & Stamford Research Group Forecasts (million tonnes) 7 6.2 5.9 6 5.4 5.2 5.7 5 5 Underlying 4.2 3.9 Freight 4 Target 0.8 2.2 3.6 3.7 Trajectory
3 0.2 0.3 1.5 3.4 0.3 2 2.9 2.6 2.4 2.3 1.9 1
0 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 2035
Underlying volumes Major Projects High Medium Low Longer term Freight volumes uctuate year on year but In support of this approach, we have bought there is an overall upward trend towards the Peruvian and Royal Primrose wharves in Vision goal of four million tonnes of freight Newham; acquisitions under our Investment routinely moved by water. Infrastructure and Plan, which support greater river use. A large Inland Waterways Freight: More goods o roads onto the river onto goods o roads More Freight: Waterways Inland policy developments that support growth in part of Peruvian is now reactivated with Brett freight movements in the long-term have Group as tenant. Site preparation is in hand at been progressed. Peruvian and Royal Primrose ahead of cargo Inland Waterways Freight The bene ts of moving freight on the river to handling use. avoid congestion and reduce the impact on Using the river has been at the heart of the environment are now better understood Thames Tideway Tunnel’s mission to deliver More goods o and communicated. Thames Vision river the new ‘super sewer’ with minimal adverse freight goals are included in the London Plan, environment impact. To date, over four roads onto the river the Mayor’s Transport Strategy and million tonnes of materials has been moved Environment Strategy. Over 90% of riparian by river for the project an approach we have Vision said: More goods and materials routinely moved between boroughs now have policies or references to encouraged and worked in partnership to wharves on the river – every year over four million tonnes use of the river for freight logistics. achieve. The volume of river- related work for carried by water – taking over 400,000 lorry trips o the region’s roads The Freight Infrastructure in London Toolkit was Tideway triggered major investments by many partners in new barges and tugs, plus the Delivery: Intra-port freight has uctuated, with total movements, launched and features data produced by consultants WSP in 2017 for TfL showing that apprentices training for the future. including major projects, reaching 4.8 million tonnes in 2019, compared to a barge transport generates around ve times Traditionally, the river has been used for baseline of 2.7 million tonnes in 2015. Total intra-port freight less harmful emissions than HGVs carrying the transport of building materials, waste and fell to 3.39 million tonnes in 2020, made up of 1.9 million same weight of cargo. recycling. Scope for new light freight use of tonnes underlying freight and 1.49 million tonnes major projects Since 2015, we have continued work to the river is now developing apace. In 2020, 2020 support the safeguarding of wharves in DHL Express launched a river delivery service The 2020 gures for inland waterways freight eased, and COVID-secure approaches were London for port use. The Mayor and now in central London, which could be a model for re ect a short-term impact from COVID-19 developed, more operators returned to the central Government have con rmed the other logistics companies’ aspirations. This is a restrictions, given the suspension of most river. Cory Riverside Energy, who provides an wharves’ continued protection from very exciting area for us and one we are operations in the early days of the rst essential service handling London’s waste, alternative development, securing their working with a range of partners to progress. lockdown. As initial lockdown restrictions continued operations throughout. long-term future.
page 12 page 13 Thames Vision Progress Review 2016-2020 Thames Vision Progress Review 2016-2020
Priority action Delivery update Champion the Thames b The Thames Vision goals included in the London Plan, the Mayor’s as a default choice for Transport Strategy and Environment Strategy. moving spoil and materials from b Over 90% of riparian boroughs now have policies or references to infrastructure projects use the river for freight logistics. close to the river b Freight in London Infrastructure Toolkit provided a river focus.
Maintain or reactivate b The Safeguarded Wharves Review concluded and viable cargo handling recommendations con rmed by Secretary of State, through new facilities, with at least directions. ve additional facilities brought into operation b Peruvian Wharf reopened in 2019, after 17 years of legal battles by 2025 concluded with the PLA acquiring the site. b PLA purchased the adjacent Royal Primrose Wharf for reactivation.
b Innovative plans for Hurlingham Wharf, Swedish Wharf and Orchard Wharf being developed.
Extend the River b Joint working with GLA, TfL, terminal owners and operators Computer generated image of City markets development, Dagenham Inland Waterways Freight: More goods o roads onto the river onto goods o roads More Freight: Waterways Inland Concordat to promote took place through a Freight Working Group under the Thames Outlook freight movements by and London Waterways Forum. Use of the Thames as an artery for the The Emissions reduction roadmap for inland water movement of heavy cargo, such as shipping on the tidal Thames provides a b Objectives included reactivating and intensifying use of construction aggregates and waste, continues framework for operators planning the wharves, promoting freight by water and considering opportunities to support the introduction of small-scale freight and supports delivery of ambitions to long-term development of their eets. Clean on the Thames. improve air quality and reduce congestion. diesel is now available on the river as the rst Growth and innovation is expected to come in step in emissions reduction, with the Thames consolidation of packages for delivery in the Green Scheme providing a means to Develop the Thames b Delivered the Boatmasters’ licence apprenticeship, with 32 starts commercial port, with more small-scale benchmark and track progress. Skills Academy to since 2017 and 93% completion rate. New four-year marine provide the skills engineering apprenticeship has seen 11 starts since 2018. freight for last-mile deliveries. The The full potential of the river as a low carbon, needed on the consolidation of the City wholesale markets at congestion-reducing route will be realised Thames b More than 1,100 people have been trained in how to keep Dagenham Docks o ers substantial scope for through a co-ordinated e ort across the PLA, themselves and their colleagues safe when working by the riverborne logistics solutions too and we are local authorities, river operators and the Thames through the Personal Riverside Safety Course. working with the Corporation of London to private sector. achieve this. The emerging potential of light freight underlines the importance of jetties, piers and other access points. To be fully e ective, light freight needs suitable links to land-side infrastructure to allow the ‘last mile’ movement of goods to their nal destinations by sustainable modes such as electric vehicles or cargo bikes. Tunnel boring machine, Selina, arrived at Chambers Wharf
page 14 Page 15 Woolwich Ferry team members Thames Vision Progress Review 2016-2020
Longer term In the 2015 baseline year for the Vision, there Privately funded development since 2015 has were some ten million passenger trips a year. delivered new piers at Battersea and Royal Until the 2020 pandemic prompted decline, Wharf, Newham. For the future, further piers numbers remained fairly static – a marginal are planned at Barking Riverside, Blackwall decrease re ecting in some part the Yard, Grays, Tilbury and Ordnance Wharf on suspension of services while facilities were the Greenwich Peninsula. upgraded to allow the introduction of new, Investment in central London piers, the hub hybrid electric Woolwich ferries. for a growing river passenger network, Development of the river passenger eet remains critical to long-term growth. Passenger Transport: More journeys More Transport: Passenger continued through the period. Uber Boat by Availability of public nance post-COVID Thames Clippers continued to invest in new looks limited, with the innovative vessels and City Cruises’ vessel refurbishments Rotherhithe-Canary Wharf electric ferry added capacity. crossing paused as a result. Smaller operators such as Viscount Cruises also made major investments; their new vessel, Thomas Doggett can carry more than 500 people.
Total passenger journeys (actual to 2020) & ARUP forecast (million) Passenger Transport 20
15
More journeys 10.6 10.3 10 9.9 9.9 10 Vision said: Double the number of people travelling
by river – reaching 20 million commuter and tourist trips every year 5 2.7 Delivery: 2015 baseline was 10.3 million passenger
journeys per annum, and this remained static until 2019. Services were 0 suspended in Q2 2020 during the initial lockdown and again subsequently 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 2035 through ongoing responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. The number of passenger Actual High Medium Low Low: background growth and planned interventions journeys in 2020 declined to 2.7 million as a result Medium: marketing, customer service and improved peak services High: fare interventions plus signi cant investment cost and capacity management implications 2020 This graph shows actual numbers of passenger journeys, compared to the green straight-line trajectory to The pandemic and associated restrictions working together on the Thames and London 20 million targets in the original Thames Vision 2035. It also represents the forecast scenarios from the meant that there were 2.7 million passenger Waterways Steering Group. A promotional Thames Vision 2035: Achieving safe and sustainable growth of river passenger transport report, trips taken on the river in 2020, down by three Action Plan is in place, in partnership with the undertaken by Arup in 2019-20. The aim of their work was to identify actions needed to achieve long-term passenger travel growth objectives. The study was undertaken before the COVID-19 outbreak, however quarters on a normal year, when almost ten passenger transport operators, to support the recommendations of the study, from the need for marketing and co-ordination of services to million trips are taken. sector as the economy and society start infrastructure investment, remain relevant and are being considered along with additional needs to Recovery of passenger operations is the progressively to reopen. support the sector and go on to realise the potential of river transport in the green recovery. immediate focus for the GLA, TfL and PLA
page 16 page 17 Thames Vision Progress Review 2016-2020 Thames Vision Progress Review 2016-2020
Priority action Delivery update
Make more e cient use b TfL initiatives reduced timetable clashes and navigational of piers and river space, con icts, improving operational resilience and river safety. including new timetabling to manage b Investigations in hand into scope for investment at piers where peaks in tra c limited berth space is impacting on growth potential, with Embankment Pier the priority.
Innovate to achieve b Operators have implemented experience-based services to drive more passenger demand, such as Uber Boat by Thames Clippers’ partnerships with journeys at current low the Brunel Museum and Illuminated River, and City Cruises’ peak times entertainment cruises. journeys More Transport: Passenger Develop and implement b TfL/London River Services Passenger Pier Strategy launched, in a long-term pier partnership with PLA and river operators, in 2019. strategy b TfL’s new asset renewal strategy will ensure piers are t for purpose, safe and operable for the longer term.
b The Passenger Transport Growth Study, commissioned by the Bankside Pier extension PLA in partnership with TfL in 2019, sets out actions to boost Outlook river travel, including potential new piers and river promotion. Prospects for river travel remain positive. In Promotion of river transport’s ability to the short term, the river o ers COVID-secure enable commuters and visitors to integrate Convene a consultative b A Wash Forum was held during 2018, with mitigation and forum to address issues reporting measures subsequently introduced. travel options for residents and visitors alike. with other travel options will assist in of wash from growth in Longer term, the Thames’ ability to give long-term growth. This includes walking and b The Environment and PLA are working together to monitor and passenger transport people a unique perspective on the only cycling for commuters and leisure goers, investigate long-term results of wave action on ood defence world city with four UNESCO World Heritage facilitated by increased capacity for bikes on assets sites and varied cultural venues on its river’s commuter services, proximity of bike banks Secure the b TfL pier extension projects completed at Bankside and banks, will underpin growth. to piers and walking routes through central infrastructure required Westminster piers (2016) and new Blackfriars Pier was built as part Housing development to the east of central London to destinations along the Thames for growth in the of the Tideway Project. London and the proposed development of Path. transport of passengers b Battersea Power Station pier opened (2018) and Royal Wharf pier and goods on the the London Resort in Kent, combined with Longer term growth will be linked to in Newham (2019). Thames desire to ensure visitors avoid local roads, improving environmental performance as the b New piers planned for Barking Riverside, Blackwall Yard, Grays, mean river transport will in many cases be the pace of Net Zero transition intensi es. As for Tilbury and Ordnance Wharf on the Greenwich Peninsula. best option for sustainable transport. the inland freight sector, the Emissions Supported by partners including the Thames reduction roadmap for inland shipping on the b Substantial investment in new and refurbished boats by City Estuary Growth Board and Association of tidal Thames is a reference tool in planning Cruises, Uber Boat by Thames Clippers, Thames River Services and other operators since 2016. South Essex Local Authorities, this is eet development. The Thames Green something we continue to work on with GLA, Scheme provides a means to benchmark and b DHL river-based parcel delivery service demonstrated potential for TfL and operators in London, Kent and Essex. track progress. multiple uses of the pier infrastructure.
page 18 Page 19 Gathering for the Great River Race 2019 Thames Vision Progress Review 2016-2020
Longer term The Thames is home to a diverse range of kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding), an sporting events; from charitable challenges, accelerating trend as part of wider growth in historical events and club ‘friendlies’ to watersports. national competitions and endurance events. Clubs’ fundraising skills can be key to their Before the pandemic, this river use had grown development. We organised a capacity strongly. In 2015 we consented fewer than building workshop with London Sport to 100 events; in 2019, 430 events were assist them with this. consented, with approximately 25,000 Active Thames is a key innovation to support participants enjoying the river as a greater use of the river for sport and competition venue. recreation. We developed it in response to Participation in club activity measured around issues and opportunities highlighted by clubs Sport participants More and Recreation: the time of the Vision launch indicated a in the East London Watersport Forum and baseline of around 19,000 people involved in through stakeholder workshops in 2019. The organised sports on the Thames and capacity aim is that, working together through Active to accommodate a further 13,000 in existing Thames, the PLA, active partnerships, National facilities. Subsequently, a high-level target Governing Bodies and other stakeholders will was agreed of doubling participation by 2035. showcase the sporting o er on the Thames We recruited a sports participation and and make these opportunities more community outreach manager to support this accessible to local communities. drive. Partnership agreements signed with To enable long-term planning, a follow-up stakeholders in 2020 frame commitments to Sport and Recreation study is underway in 2021, providing a grow the watersports workforce, o er and snapshot of participation and workforce promote optimal use of facilities, equipment needs ve years on. and walking trails on the Thames. Securing More participants Steps to help increase participation included investment in the sector, sharing data and sharing case studies of good practice from a promoting and incentivising open Vision said: Greater participation in sport range of clubs. In 2019 we provided direct engagement are key priorities for the and recreation on and alongside the water support to clubs through a Sports partners, including the PLA , London Sport, Delivery: Clubs intensi ed activities and the number of Participation Small Grants Fund of £40,000. Active Essex, Kent Sport, Canal and River Trust, sporting events on the Thames increased from 2015-19, however activities The grants to seven clubs including the AHOY Thames Path National Trail, British Canoeing, were impacted by COVID restrictions for much of 2020 and there has been an Centre, Gravesend Regatta Society and British Rowing and the Royal Yachting Richmond Canoe Club, enabled more than Association. accelerated trend for independent physical activity. Active Thames created to 500 new participants to get on the water in The growth in paddle and more solo sporting support the growth in sports and participation on the Thames the rst six months. activity makes appropriate safety 2020 Pre-pandemic, membership growth had been interventions ever more important. COVID restrictions dramatically a ected sport Support and advice were provided direct to observed in a sample cross-section of clubs, in Information about how to get a oat safely is and recreation on the Thames in 2020. The clubs, where necessary, to support them in the order of 10% for sailing, 40-60% for rowing available through our dedicated websites, number of PLA-consented river events fell to securing funding needed to ensure their and more than doubling for canoeing. The Boating on the Thames and Active Thames. 168 in 2020, given COVID-19 restrictions to survival. We provided nancial assistance to pandemic prompted a surge in independent activities, with cancellations including the two clubs whose funding model was watersports, such as paddling (canoeing, University Boat Races and the Great River particularly a ected. With restrictions easing Race. in spring 2021, clubs are resuming activities.
page 20 page 21 Thames Vision Progress Review 2016-2020 Thames Vision Progress Review 2016-2020
Priority action Delivery update The Thames is home to a diverse range of kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding), an Ascertain current levels b Participation across the river and sporting disciplines grew sporting events; from charitable challenges, accelerating trend as part of wider growth in of sport participation between 2015-2019: 10% for sailing; 40-60% for rowing and more historical events and club ‘friendlies’ to watersports. and work towards than doubling in canoeing. national competitions and endurance events. Clubs’ fundraising skills can be key to their increasing participation b Seven small grants made in 2019 to support participation. on and alongside the Before the pandemic, this river use had grown development. We organised a capacity b Participation promotion initiative, Active Thames, agreed with Thames strongly. In 2015 we consented fewer than building workshop with London Sport to with clubs and stakeholders; website launches spring 2021. 100 events; in 2019, 430 events were assist them with this. b Rapid growth in river events pre-COVID: 2015 less than 100 events consented, with approximately 25,000 Active Thames is a key innovation to support consented; 430 event in 2019. participants enjoying the river as a greater use of the river for sport and Extend sport b Focused on advocacy for multi-sports centres in masterplans competition venue. recreation. We developed it in response to
opportunity zones on for new developments, such as Barking Riverside and Sport participants More and Recreation: issues and opportunities highlighted by clubs Participation in club activity measured around the Thames Thamesmead, rather than highlighting standard sports the time of the Vision launch indicated a in the East London Watersport Forum and opportunity zones. baseline of around 19,000 people involved in through stakeholder workshops in 2019. The b Brie ngs for recreational user groups have continued organised sports on the Thames and capacity aim is that, working together through Active throughout the period and a new Tideway Code for rowing to accommodate a further 13,000 in existing Thames, the PLA, active partnerships, National and paddling was produced in 2018. facilities. Subsequently, a high-level target Governing Bodies and other stakeholders will Realise new visitor b Recently refreshed PLA leisure website, Boating on the Thames, was agreed of doubling participation by 2035. showcase the sporting o er on the Thames moorings and publicise features enhanced visitor mooring information. We recruited a sports participation and and make these opportunities more the availability of all b A Moorings and Marinas meeting was established to link users community outreach manager to support this accessible to local communities. visitor moorings with mooring providers. drive. Partnership agreements signed with e ectively Sport participation & community outreach manager Jenny Cooper (left) on site b New visitor mooring licences issued at a range of sites, Outlook To enable long-term planning, a follow-up stakeholders in 2020 frame commitments to including Barking and Greenwich. study is underway in 2021, providing a grow the watersports workforce, o er and There is substantial potential for continued safe growth of ‘independent’ watersports, as snapshot of participation and workforce promote optimal use of facilities, equipment growth in sports participation on the river as a part of the shift from traditional club needs ve years on. and walking trails on the Thames. Securing Join up the Thames Path b Progress made with missing links on the Thames Path included: post-pandemic recovery takes shape. membership. Steps to help increase participation included investment in the sector, sharing data and from Source to Sea b 2018 – connection between Woolwich and Charlton Active Thames will promote collaboration and More people out on the river links to a cleaner sharing case studies of good practice from a promoting and incentivising open completed co-ordination of initiatives to increase physical Thames too, with regular stand-up range of clubs. In 2019 we provided direct engagement are key priorities for the b 2019 – TfL funding for footbridge under Barnes Railway activity on and by the river across London, paddleboard litter picks through the warmer support to clubs through a Sports partners, including the PLA , London Sport, Bridge announced, connecting to Dukes Meadow in Kent and Essex. The partnership will support months. Hounslow Participation Small Grants Fund of £40,000. Active Essex, Kent Sport, Canal and River Trust, clubs to expand their activities, work together The prospects for increased Thames-side The grants to seven clubs including the AHOY Thames Path National Trail, British Canoeing, b 2020 – Thames Path extension link being taken forward in and widen their reach. We plan to establish a walking are strong. The completion of the Greenwich, from the Thames Barrier to Woolwich. Centre, Gravesend Regatta Society and British Rowing and the Royal Yachting West London Watersport Forum to mirror the Thames Path National Trail Woolwich to Grain Richmond Canoe Club, enabled more than Association. b The Greenwich link will connect the Thames Path National Trail group already operating in East London to aid connection in the new England Coast Path is to the new England Coast Path, creating a ‘Source to Sea’ route, 500 new participants to get on the water in The growth in paddle and more solo sporting joint working with clubs. complemented by work on the north bank to dual branded from Woolwich to Grain. Natural England works the rst six months. activity makes appropriate safety Engagement will be o ered through Active create similar connectivity. There is scope to to deliver this are due to be completed in 2021. Pre-pandemic, membership growth had been interventions ever more important. Thames to support development of new make more of the connections that travel by observed in a sample cross-section of clubs, in Information about how to get a oat safely is facilities and support community engagement river a ords, opening up new destinations to the order of 10% for sailing, 40-60% for rowing available through our dedicated websites, with the river in new riparian mixed-use more people. and more than doubling for canoeing. The Boating on the Thames and Active Thames. developments. We will look to support the pandemic prompted a surge in independent watersports, such as paddling (canoeing,
page 22 page 23 Explorer, Paul Rose, joins a Thames foreshore clean up Thames Vision Progress Review 2016-2020
with the release of the Emissions reduction and the Thames Estuary Partnership. The roadmap for inland shipping on the tidal guidance provides design principles for river Thames and a further Greening Inland wall owners and developers, showing how Shipping webinar. they can “green the edges” of the tidal Thames Longer term to support habitat connectivity. Air Quality emerged as an increasingly Delivery of the environment goal has been a important focus for our work and an area of major focus for us and our partners, with a signi cant and ongoing innovation. We strengthened team across work on water published the rst Air Quality Strategy for a UK quality (litter and waste), biodiversity and air port, subsequently working to deliver the quality, with increased emphasis on green identi ed actions. An updated strategy was technologies in the context of our published in 2020, together with detailed commitments on Net Zero, particularly with work on air quality around the Greenwich Ship the development of the Air Quality Strategy. Tier. The greatest improvement to water quality In late 2020 we announced our commitment will be through the completion of the Thames to achieve Net Zero in our own operations by Tideway Tunnel, which will cut raw sewage 2040, or earlier. out ow into the Thames by 95%. Construction We o er support for operators of all types of of the tunnel is now well over 50% complete. vessel to reduce emissions. The port Green environment Thames tidal and Heritage: Improved Environment Initiatives further to reduce litter and waste in Environment and Heritage Tari introduced in 2017, o ers a discount for the river include the Cleaner Thames ‘cleaner’ vessels calling on the Thames. The campaign launched in 2016, with the support Thames Green Scheme, launched in 2020, Improved tidal Thames of explorer, Paul Rose and subsequent work enables operators to benchmark their on behavioural change campaign, developed operations and plan long-term emission by charity, Hubbub. environment reduction. We have initiatives which support The Thames Litter Strategy published in 2017 and recognise emissions reduction in a range Vision said: The river the cleanest since the includes a baseline condition assessment of vessels calling and operating on the Industrial Revolution, with improved indicating 55% of surveyed foreshore was Thames. habitats and awareness of heritage graded B or above (predominantly free of We have completed further work on climate litter) and a target was set of 75% graded B or Delivery: Water quality improvement initiatives have change adaptation. The latest adaptation above by 2022. The Cleaning the Thames been delivered and habitats created, with the biggest impact due when the report submitted to DEFRA is the third since website, interactive map and our partnership 2011. It includes a review of climate risks to Thames Tideway Tunnel becomes operational in 2025 work with Thames21 and others in the Thames 2020 our operations and safety on the river, based Litter Forum, will support achievement of this Substantial and continuing progress was On biodiversity, the RSPB completed the PLA on the latest UKCP18 projections (climate goal. made in 2020 across the main areas of focus funded habitat improvement programme projections by the Met O ce) and reports the Other partnership work to deliver habitat for the Vision environment goal. Work to work at their riverside sites in Essex and Kent. progress and updating on the adaptation improvements on SSSIs and other PLA deliver the Thames Tideway Tunnel continued. Scoping work for an improvement plan. We also set out in the report new landholdings, has included work at Rainham The conclusion of the programme will be programme to the West Thurrock Site of actions on climate change mitigation such as Silt Lagoons. slightly delayed due to the requirements of Special Scienti c Interest (SSSI) was our programme to achieve Net Zero by 2040 The updated Estuary Edges website contains running COVID-secure sites. Wider water completed, with works to be undertaken in or earlier. biodiversity enhancement guidance, revised quality developments included the launch of 2021. in partnership with the Environment Agency the Cleaning the Thames website to help Showcasing of new and green technologies everyone log their clean ups and get involved. that can enable emission reduction continued,
page 24 page 25 Thames Vision Progress Review 2016-2020 Thames Vision Progress Review 2016-2020
Priority action Delivery update Outlook
Build and bring into b Water quality will improve dramatically with the Tideway Tunnel. The emissions reduction and climate The launch of our Sustainable Innovation operation the Thames Construction is scheduled to complete in 2023, with full resilience changes driven through the Net Fund will support development of green Tideway Tunnel by 2021 operational handover to Thames Water in 2025. Zero transition will be transformative across solutions appropriate to the Thames. The the economy and society, for the ultimate GLA, Thames Estuary Growth Board and other Improve water quality b Thames Litter Strategy launched in 2017, with targets for bene t of the environment. With port and stakeholders are important partners by a range of measures improvement of foreshore condition. river operations key agents in the economy, it facilitating the Net Zero transition across the including reduced litter b Development work for trialling a Passive Driftwood Collector in will be central for their future operations. In Thames. in the river the outer estuary completed, with DP World London Gateway. addition, we need to prepare for climate At a community level, the rst Environment b New website, Cleaning the Thames, launched, supporting clean change a ecting operations and biodiverse Fund supporting projects up to £5,000 in ups and monitoring on the river by the PLA and Thames21. habitats in future, identifying what value is targeting foreshore cleanliness and Improve biodiversity of b Progress will be assessed when Natural England updates the adaptations need to be made. invasive non-native species. sites recognised for their status of the nine Sites of Special Scienti c Interest (SSSI) on the To start to prepare for the transition, we are The biodiversity group has been merged wildlife interest, and the Thames. commissioning Royal Haskoning to with the invasive non-native species group to connections between b Habitat enhancements developed for West Thurrock Lagoon and undertake an energy demand mapping and develop a network and strategy to improve them Marshes SSSI will take place autumn 2021. forecasting study to identify future operator habitats and reduce invasive species on the b Land & Water Services Limited appointed to manage silt lagoons needs, and infrastructure required to deliver river. at Rainham and deliver restoration plan with the PLA, RSPB and it. More immediately at the PLA we are Natural England. environment Thames tidal and Heritage: Improved Environment focused on achieving a 60% reduction in b PLA-funded improvements at RSPB reserves in north Kent and carbon emissions by 2025, as we drive south Essex to support habitats for bird and invertebrate species. towards Net Zero by 2040, or earlier. b The Estuary Edges website launched in 2019, including design Our Net Zero work will re ect a river-wide principles for developers to soften the edges of the Thames and drive around improving air quality, through create habitats and habitat mapping is also underway. the adoption of green technology. This is essential so that the river remains a Identify and improve b This is covered in the separate section about the Community and sustainable transport option, securing its access to, and Culture goal. appreciation of, the place in the green recovery and development historic environment of of the wider Net Zero economy. Estuary Edges launch the Thames Encourage uptake of b Delivery of actions under the Air Quality Strategy included new and green detailed air quality monitoring at a number of locations around technologies to reduce Greenwich Ship Tier. the port’s b Launched the UK’s rst port charges discount scheme, the Green environmental impact Tari , for environmentally high performing ships in 2017. b Launched the Thames Green Scheme to encourage inland operators’ actions to improve and develop towards Net Zero operations. b Sustainable Innovation Fund launched to support development of Thames suited emissions solutions. b Tidal energy trial site designated for development projects. b Brought into service the UK’s rst hybrid pilot cutter. b Convened two London Greening Inland Shipping events.
page 26 Page 27 Totally Thames festival installation Thames Vision Progress Review 2016-2020
Longer term The Case for a River Thames Cultural Vision was The Thames is unique in having four UNESCO developed with stakeholders through 2018, World Heritage Sites on its banks at Kew, the and launched during Totally Thames in 2019. Palace of Westminster, the Tower of London It set out how the Thames can be made a and Maritime Greenwich. Cultural greater focus of the cultural life and draw of regeneration and place making is underway in London, including developing the o er areas such as the Royal Docks and around routes, festivals, events and Thamesmead, building on the river and its destinations and co-ordinating promotional heritage. activities. The PLA archive, held and curated at the The People and Places Working Group Museum of London Docklands, is a unique established as a Vision delivery mechanism is social history asset for London. A new an active forum bringing stakeholders exhibition planned to open in autumn 2021 together and cultivating joint working. will showcase the river’s role in the Thames Festival Trust has delivered the development of London, from its in uence in month-long Totally Thames celebration since street names to the resilient port operation 2013, bringing the Thames to life with river that sustained essential supply chains through related art, education, heritage projects and 2020. events. As part of our drive to support greater The Illuminated River project is providing a knowledge and understanding of the river we boost to the night-time economy.
Community and Culture have been one of the Trust’s main funders Every river crossing between Lambeth Bridge and its banks Thames the people enjoying More and Culture: Community since 2016, alongside the GLA. Our support and Tower Bridge is now awash in colour at More people enjoying the covers both the river celebration and the night. The rst phase of what is the longest art Rivers of the World education programme commission in the world was delivered in 2019 delivered to schools in east London. with bridges including Southwark and Thames and its banks Awareness raising is also supported through Millennium lit. Phase 2 bridges were lit in Vision said: A riverside which is a magnet for Thames Explorer Trust, who delivers school spring 2021, bringing the total to nine bridges. visits and eld trips to encourage The last ve years has seen substantial growth ramblers, historians, artists and others, whether understanding and exploration of the Thames. in the number of permits issued to people living nearby, on the river or travelling from further a eld From 2018, our additional funding enabled looking to search the foreshore. The average Delivery: The value of the Thames as a cultural draw the Trust to provide lessons across an 600 permits issued a year in 2017 and 2018, and asset for local communities is increasingly recognised, expanded area, covering schools from leapt to 1,000 in 2019. We continue to provide with the development of new and established events and Greenwich to Gravesend. guidance to people to assist them in accessing destinations celebrating proximity and relationship with the estuary The Estuary Festival rst took place in 2016, the foreshore safely and to report nds to the 2020 organised by Cement Fields and Metal, across Museum of London. In normal times, the Thames is a stage, coast and a river through the heart of London, north Kent and south Essex. These partners hosting events through the year, including the Thames provided a place of much-needed are coming together again to deliver Estuary charity spectacles, such as the Great River respite for many local people through 2021, celebrating the lives, landscapes and Race, New Year’s Eve reworks, and historic lockdowns. Innovative approaches saw histories of the Thames Estuary through Thames Barge Race. In 2020 the majority of cultural content and events switch to a mix of installations, events and community these events were cancelled and the cultural online and socially-distanced in person, in line engagement. sector was hard hit by the pandemic. with restrictions. As an open space, along the Essex and Kent
page 28 page 29 Thames Vision Progress Review 2016-2020 Thames Vision Progress Review 2016-2020
Priority action Delivery update Enhance access to b PLA app launched in 2016, providing easy access to basic information about the information needed to use the river safely. Thames b The Drowning Prevention Strategy was developed with partners including the RNLI, MCA and London Fire Brigade and launched in 2019. b A Safer Riverside guidance for development alongside and on the tidal Thames, published in 2020. b A major exhibition based on the PLA archive will be hosted at the Museum of London Docklands in autumn 2021
Educate local school b Four-year PLA agreement with Thames Festival Trust included children about the support for delivery of Totally Thames and Rivers of the World Thames education programme delivery in east London boroughs. b Enhanced PLA support for Thames Explorer Trust, opened up Thames-related education to school children across a wider area, including for the rst time Greenwich to Gravesend. b Mentoring for school children in Newham school delivered with London Youth Rowing Create new appropriate b Residential moorings licences have been approved at appropriate residential moorings locations across the river, including: Hammersmith, Battersea, Artist Maria Amidu and Tom King on the Thames Estuary Trail, part of the Estuary 2021 festival accommodating Brentford and Watermen’s Park. Outlook and its banks Thames the people enjoying More and Culture: Community suitable vessels As an icon with a global pro le, the Thames is Education and promotion remain a core well placed to be a central draw in the drive activity, which we are actively supporting, Identify and improve b Supported Museum of London Archaeology publication: ‘The access to, and River’s Tale’ in 2017, exploring ten years of archaeological to rebuild economic activity in London. Its particularly through the Museum of London appreciation of, the discovery by the Thames Discovery Programme. combination of unique assets and exhibition which will open later this year. historic environment b Extensive refurbishment of Richmond Lock & Weir. COVID-secure travel for visitors will give it a Furthering work around co-ordinated, joint or along the Thames strong role to play. co-promotion will be particularly important. Explore development of b Case for a River Thames Cultural Vision launched with the GLA in Long-term, the building blocks are in place to Our Vision refresh work will look at awareness a Thames brand for 2019, setting out a path to put the Thames at the heart of support greater awareness and use of the of the river, to help us develop and focus culture, heritage and London’s cultural life. river, through well-established events such as future engagement and education quality of life b Cultural strategies under development for key destinations along Totally Thames and in partnership with programmes. the Thames, such as the Royal Docks and Thamesmead. destinations from World Heritage Sites to b Illuminated River project Phase 1 completed in 2019, a major new cultural and creative development areas boost to the night-time economy; Phase 2 completed early 2021. across the estuary. b The Great River Cities of the World webinar convened late 2020, with speakers from New York, Vienna, Kolkata and Brisbane, provided insights into responses to the global pandemic.
page 30 Page 31 like to read include:’ Publications referenced inthisreview andavailable onthePLAwebsite that you might www.pla.co.uk/ThamesVision You cankeepintouch withits development viatheweb page: Thames areVision. andexpectations that priorities thenew Our Vision willcapture: andstakeholdersthroughWe 2021to shapeanew withpartners willbeworking Shaping Thames Vision 2050 Shaping ThamesVision b b b b b b b b b b b Emissions reductionroadmap Innovation Fund Strategy Quality Air Investment Plan Thames Vision and alongsidethe Thames Greater on diversity andinclusion,withcommunities bene tingfrom opportunities Improved andrecreation access to tourism, sports wellbeing Greater publicengagement withtheriver, leisure driving usesandsupporting Technology enabling information exchange, engagement andparticipation A climate river andcity resilient port, economy A safe, new jobs andasustainable andriver NetZero cluster supporting port page 32
Shaping a new Thames Vision 2050 PROTECT I IMPROVE I PROMOTE
www.pla.co.uk @LondonPortAuth www.youtube.com/portoflondon 01474-562200