2035 The Vision for the tidal Thames - july 2016 - Tower Hamlets
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The Vision for the
tidal Thames
july 2016
2035
About the Thames Vision
The Thames Vision is the framework for the
development of the tidal Thames between now and
2035. It has been developed with stakeholders
over 18 months, starting in Spring 2015. The
Vision covers six goals for growth and actions
to deliver these goals. This document covers the
context for the Vision today, the goals and
priority actions, the governance framework
and how we will report progress.
Contents
Introduction 1
Summary of Thames Vision goals and priority actions 2
Context 4
How the Thames Vision has developed 6
Thames Vision to 2035: Goals and priority actions 7
Delivering the shared Vision 9
Tracking progress and delivery 9
Vision goals and priority actions in detail 10
Port of London – More trade, more jobs 10
Inland freight – More goods off roads onto the river 14
Passenger transport – More journeys 18
Sport and recreation – More participants 22
Environment and heritage – Improved tidal Thames environment 26
Community and culture – More people enjoying the Thames and its banks 30
About the Port of London Authority 34
Annex: Organisations who have contributed to the Vision 35
References 36
thames vision 2035
Introduction
For more than two thousand years, the River Vision sees the river at the heart of new,
Thames has been central to London’s evolution, sustainable communities looking towards, not
shaping its communities and underpinning its away from, the Thames. By making the most
economy. Culturally, the Thames is part of what of the river, the Thames will play a key role in
makes London celebrated in poetry, prose, art both transporting people and goods, providing
and music. As we have cleaned the river up in a space for sport, recreation and a cultural
the last two generations, it has become hub too.
increasingly valued as a ribbon of blue space
enjoyed by millions of people, sustaining a We have led the development of the Vision, over
vibrant marine environment for wildlife. the last 18 months, in our work as Custodians of
the tidal Thames. This is part of our role as a
The Thames Vision is a 20 year view of the Trust Port to hand the tidal Thames on in a
river’s future, developed with stakeholders with better condition to succeeding generations. We
the goal of making the most of its potential, for brought people together to create this shared
the benefit of all. It is the first of its kind, Vision, with input from the port, transport and
covering 95 miles of the tidal Thames, running housing sectors, from local communities,
through London to the North Sea. The Thames environmental organisations, sports clubs and
is as iconic as the global city it runs through. others. We are very grateful for all the input and
in the commitment, now, to delivering it.
Over the next two decades the Vision sees the
value of the Thames better understood and its We are looking forward to working with the
potential realised. It sets out the enormous partners who helped develop the Vision, as
opportunities for growth on and alongside the together we make the most of the tidal Thames.
Thames, and its importance for the wider growth
of London, Kent, Essex and beyond. It embraces
growth in all aspects of river use, from trade and
travel to sport and recreation. Robin Mortimer
The tidal Thames sits at the centre of a capital Chief Executive
city, and wider region, where projected demand Port of London Authority (PLA)
for housing and jobs is unprecedented. The 4 July 2016
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thames vision 2035 thames vision 2035
Summary of Thames Vision goals and priority actions
Port of Inland Passenger Sport and Environment Community and
London: Freight: Transport: Recreation: and Heritage: Culture:
More trade, More goods off More More Improved tidal More people
more jobs roads onto the river journeys participants Thames environment enjoying the Thames
The busiest ever Port of London, More goods and materials Double the number of people Greater participation in sport and The river the cleanest since the and its banks
handling 60 – 80 million tonnes routinely moved between travelling by river – reaching 20 recreation on and alongside the Industrial Revolution, with A riverside which is a magnet for
of cargo each year, on the wharves on the river – every year million commuter and tourist water. improved habitats and ramblers, historians, artists and
doorstep of Europe’s biggest over 4 million tonnes carried by trips every year. awareness of heritage. others, whether living nearby, on
metropolitan consumer market. water – taking over 400,000 lorry Ascertain current levels of sport the river or travelling from further
trips off the region’s roads. Make more efficient use of participation and work towards Build and bring into operation afield.
Sustain
private sector the Thames Tideway Tunnel
piers and river space, including increasing participation on and
investment by 2021 Enhance access to information
Double underlying intra-port new timetabling to manage alongside the Thames
Improve navigational access to freight to over 4 million tonnes peaks in traffic about the Thames
Extendsport opportunity Improve water quality by a
the port range of measures including Educate local school children
Champion the Thames as a Innovate
to achieve more zones on the Thames
Improve rail and road access default choice for moving spoil passenger journeys at current reduced litter in the river about the Thames
Realise new visitor moorings
to port operations/terminals, and materials from infrastructure low peak times and publicise the availability of Improve biodiversity of sites Create new appropriate
including: projects close to the river recognised for their wildlife residential moorings
Develop and implement a all visitor moorings effectively
LowerThames Crossing Maintain or reactivate viable long-term pier strategy interest, and the connections accommodating suitable
Join
up the Thames Path from
downstream of Tilbury, by cargo handling facilities, with between them vessels
Convene a consultative forum source to sea
2025 at least five additional facilities to address issues of wash from Identify and improve access to, Explore development of a
At least three further brought into operation by 2025 growth in passenger transport and appreciation of, the Thames brand for culture,
Thames crossings to the Extend historic environment along heritage and quality of life
the River Concordat to Secure the infrastructure
east of Tower Bridge, that required for growth in the the Thames
promote freight movements by
allow continuation of river transport of passengers and Encourage uptake of new and
water
trade; the first by 2022 goods on the Thames green technologies to reduce
Developthe Thames Skills
Widening of the A13, by the the port’s environmental
Academy to provide the skills
end of 2018 impact
needed on the Thames
Closure of level crossings
affecting operational
terminals, by 2020
Deliverefficient, effective and
sustainable PLA harbour and
pilotage services to support
growth
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1. Context: Development of the strategic transport network to 1.2 Thames Tideway Tunnel
meet the needs of the growing city and the wider
1.1 Future development facing the river region will be essential. Investment in river A second significant context for the
crossings will be part of this. Transport for Thames Vision is the Thames
The Vision comes at a time when London is Tideway Tunnel. This is the biggest
London has proposed 13 crossings across the
growing ever bigger, and there is a major focus single investment in water and
Thames, mostly in east London where population
on how to meet growing demand. The capital’s sewerage infrastructure in London
growth is expected to be concentrated.3 New
population is expected to grow, on current since Balzalgette’s Victorian scheme
crossings need to be in the right place, with the
projections, from today’s 8.6 million people to created the London embankments in
right design, taking full regard of the importance
10 million by 2035, and to 11 million by 2050. the nineteenth century. Like the
of the river as a navigational waterway enshrined
in common law – so that the economic, Victorian scheme, the £4 billion
A lot of the opportunity for this growth could
environmental and social benefits of river use Thames Tideway Tunnel will have a
be delivered along the River Thames at Barking,
continue to be realised. transformative effect on the
Bexley, Greenwich, Havering, Newham and
cleanliness of the river. With the
Tower Hamlets in London, and in Kent and Essex.
River crossings need to be part of the Thames tunnel in operation, the Thames will
These opportunities for significant new housing,
Vision, not separate from it. They can then be the cleanest it has been since the
as well as commercial space, infrastructure and
provide the crucial infrastructure needed both in Industrial Revolution. At the same
other development, frame how the Thames and
building the houses and developments and in time, the river will provide the artery
its banks will develop over the next two decades.
supplying their needs once developed – transport for transporting up to eight million
The new Mayor of London has set out the vital of people and goods. It means considering a tonnes of spoil and construction
role that the River Thames plays in London’s range of crossings, including: ferries (creating material for this project. This is a
economy, the movement of freight and destination points along the Thames), tunnels and very important demonstration of the
passengers and the wellbeing of all Londoners. bridges. Similarly, the response to housing needs strategic importance of the tidal
At the same time, Lord Heseltine is leading a should not be to close off the opportunity to Thames in supporting infrastructure
2050 Thames Estuary Growth Commission, further develop cargo-handling facilities that development projects. Part of the 1.4 Europe
announced in the 2016 Budget,1 and Lord provide opportunities for the sustainable development of the Vision has focused
Adonis is leading the National Infrastructure movement of goods. The last major wave of on the new opportunities this national We will be looking to work with river operators
Commision.2 These together provide the docklands development did not make the most of infrastructure project will create in the and users to prepare for any changes as a result
opportunity to consider an integrated river- and the riverside locations. This time developments 2020s and 2030s. There are numerous of the UK’s vote on membership of the European
land-based approach to meeting the growing such as Fulham Reach are realising the ways in which the public can benefit from a Union.
needs of transport, recreation, environment and opportunity to do this differently and make the cleaner river and at the same time transform
most of the riverside location. the perception of the Thames. 1.5 Safety
well-being as well as housing.
1.3 Climate change An underlying assumption throughout this Vision
document is that growing river use has to be
A third context is the world’s changing climate, achieved with high levels of safety. The PLA, ship
as greenhouse gases continue to accumulate and terminal operators, the Maritime and
in the atmosphere. Over the next 20 years, Coastguard Agency (MCA), RNLI and emergency
we can expect continuing global warming, services work together to maintain and improve
sea level rise, significant changes in UK river safety. Initiatives include working with
weather patterns and more extreme weather operators and groups to raise safety issues,
events.4 Managing flood risk throughout the providing improved safety guidance (e.g. the
Thames Estuary continues to be a high priority. Rowing Code of Practice), promoting continuous
The Thames Barrier will need replacing in due improvement in vessel standards and
course, though this is not expected within the encouraging improved reporting of incidents to
20 year timeframe of this Vision. However, the PLA and MCA, including ‘near miss’ reporting.
Environment Agency data shows that there will Interpretation of this data has already assisted in
need to be continuing investment in both ‘hard’ identifying new safety initiatives, including
and ‘soft’ flood defences along the Thames improving the collective response to river
Estuary, to protect people and property. incidents. There has been a decrease in serious
or very serious incidents on the tidal Thames in
recent years.5
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2. How the Thames Vision has
developed
“
The Thames Vision project is led by the PLA,
based on a collaborative approach, for a shared Bringing together so many
Vision for the Thames. At the PLA, we oversee
safe navigation along the tidal Thames, sharing
businesses to speak with one voice
our marine, environmental, planning and other is something the airport operators
could learn from
”
expertise to promote use of the river and
safeguard its unique marine environment.
More detail on what we do is included towards
the end of this publication (p.34). Daily Telegraph, 3rd January 2016
The Vision project was launched in March 2015,
when the public and users of the river Thames
River Thames public amenity, carried out by
were invited to ‘Have Your Say’ on its future.
Oxford Economics. This estimates the amenity
There were over 200 responses to the initial ‘call 3. Thames Vision to 2035: Goals and 4. Greater participation in sport and recreation
value of the tidal Thames, considering tourism
for evidence’, nearly half of which were from on and alongside the water.
members of the public. Three public meetings –
benefits, sport and health implications and the priority actions
value of living near the River Thames. 5. The cleanest Thames since the Industrial
in Putney, the Southbank and Orsett – were held The Vision sets out the enormous opportunities
in May and June 2015, attracting over 200 River capacity in central London, Revolution, with improved habitats and
for growth on and alongside the River Thames,
participants. A summary of the responses is commissioned jointly with Transport for awareness of heritage.
and its importance for the wider growth of
published in the Thames Vision section of the London, carried out by Marico Marine.
London, Kent and Essex. Our economic analysis 6. A riverside which is a magnet for ramblers,
PLA website (www.pla.co.uk/ThamesVision). This identifies how capacity in central London
shows that today the river supports over 40,000 historians, artists and others, whether living
could be optimised to support the growth of
We held round table discussions in September jobs in the ports, logistics and transport sectors, nearby, on the river or travelling from
vessel traffic.
and October 2015 covering the breadth of current generating over £4 billion of gross value added a further afield.
Forecast growth in port trade, carried out by year. In addition, there are a further 99,000 jobs
uses of the Thames: port and infrastructure; Stamford Research Group. A combination of
inland freight; passenger transport; sport and in tourism and related businesses in the riparian
“
econometric and market intelligence was used boroughs alongside the river.
recreation; houseboats; environment and to derive forecasts for cargo handled in the
heritage; and culture and community. Over 75 Port of London to the year 2035. The Vision sets out how to unleash the potential
organisations were involved, exploring the The priority actions have the
We launched a consultation on the emerging growth in all types of river use. By 2035 we will
potential for and barriers to growth, and the see greater use of the Thames in all aspects: potential to achieve the goals
goals and priority actions in December 2015.
priorities for achieving that growth in the next from port trade to passenger transport, sport and identified by the public and users of
The responses – over 120 from the full length
20 years. recreation to cultural enjoyment. Achieving this the River Thames over the next 20
of the tidal Thames and covering the main
Alongside this engagement, we commissioned sectoral interests – can be found in the Thames will require long-term thinking and strong years. The river is a vibrant focal
four external studies to provide a strong evidence Vision section of the PLA website. partnerships across public, private and voluntary
sectors.
point and with a strategy has the
base for the Thames Vision. The studies are capacity to further develop and
This document sets out the final goals and
published either in full or as summaries in the The goals we have set are:
Thames Vision section of the PLA website
priority actions of the Thames Vision. It is a facilitate sport and recreation,
single Vision for the Thames, to be delivered 1. The busiest ever Port of London, handling tourism, transport, industry,
(www.pla.co.uk/ThamesVision). They are on:
by multiple stakeholders under the PLA’s 60 – 80 million tonnes of cargo, on the commerce, and housing. It is a mix
RiverThames economic prosperity, carried out custodian role. doorstep of Europe’s biggest metropolitan
by SQW. This estimates the economic value of that significantly contributes to
consumer market.
maritime and port operations on the Thames. prosperity in the London Region
2. More goods and materials routinely moved
”
between wharves on the river – every year over
4 million tonnes carried by water – taking over British Canoeing, Goals and Priority
400,000 lorries off the region’s roads. Actions Consultation Feedback
3. Double the number of people travelling by river
– reaching 20 million commuter and tourist
trips every year.
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3.1 Delivering the shared Vision terminal operators working alongside
Government and national authorities to double
This is a shared Vision of the River Thames. the underlying intra-port freight carried by water
Working together over the next two decades is or to improve road and rail access to the port.
essential to turning it into reality.
Some established meetings will need to take on
Development of the Vision has been convened more ambitious targets, such as the River
and led by the PLA – the Custodians of the tidal Concordat championing the Thames as a
Thames. Delivery falls to the PLA and a whole default choice for moving spoil and materials
host of organisations and groups, many of whom from infrastructure projects.
have contributed to the development of the The PLA, with this combination of organisations,
Vision. Those who have contributed so far are will work closely with the GLA and local
listed in the Annex (p.35). authorities in delivering the Vision.
Delivery will vary according to the priority actions 3.2 Tracking progress and delivery
required to deliver the goals:
Building on the co-design approach to
The PLA will be leading some of the priority developing the Vision, delivery will continue to be
actions – and we are reviewing our strategy to with a broad range of stakeholders. Each of the
ensure we are well-placed to deliver. six goals will be met through a rolling series of
In other cases, different organisations are in the time-bound priority actions with Key Performance
lead: such as Tideway building and bringing Indicators (KPIs).
into operation the Thames Tideway Tunnel. Governance will use existing fora wherever
These goals are bold and ambitious, reflecting river uses and infrastructure. For example, the Some will be new strategic alliances, working possible, for example the River Concordat, or
the enormous potential of the river to deliver map shows Opportunity Zones for sport: areas with us to deliver the Thames Vision, such as convening new groups where necessary.
what the growing capital and the wider where there are sports already and potential new Sport England and London Sport to realise Progress will be reported against priority actions
region need. areas. The zones should encourage investment greater participation in sport on the Thames at an annual conference.
and interest in new river activity. These goals and its banks.
Alongside setting overall goals, we have looked apply to the whole length of the river. To enable
at where these goals can best be realised. The Others are working together to strengthen the
wider access, the map is published in an voice of stakeholders on key decisions affecting
‘Opportunity Map’ for the tidal Thames (copy interactive format on our website:
enclosed in the pocket in the back cover of this the Thames, such as river operators and
www.pla.co.uk/ThamesVision
document) summarises current and potential
Thames Vision delivery and reporting structure
“Can it succeed? Unlike the crisis
that surrounds London’s
‘River Concordat’:
Passenger and freight transport
“
(London)
Port and Targeted events for
shortage of aviation capacity, at
Infrastructure Group Local Authorities
least someone is standing on Wishing only good things for the
deck, planning ahead — long Thames – far and away the best
before the industry that depends ‘thing’ I've enjoyed about living in
on the river has sailed into London the past 25+ years Annual Thames
”
troubled waters Conference
”
Environment Sport, Recreation
Member of public, Goals and Priority and Leisure
London Evening Standard, 14th Actions Consultation Feedback
December 2015
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thames vision 2035 thames vision 2035
Port of
London
4. Vision goals and priority
actions in detail
4.1 Port of London – More trade,
more jobs
Today, 2016
The River Thames is home to the second biggest
port in the UK, on the doorstep of London and the
South East, the biggest markets in the UK. With
96% of UK imports/exports by volume coming in
or leaving by sea, it is an essential part of the
UK’s infrastructure.6 This strategic asset supplies
London, the South East and markets across the
UK with life’s essentials: food, fuel, building
materials and household goods.
There are over 70 independently run terminals
and wharves along the tidal Thames. The port
handled over 45 million tonnes of goods and
materials in 2015 and provided employment for
43,000 people, of whom 27,000 were directly
employed in port operations, with a further 16,000 Forecast demand the relationship between traffic and economic 1. Sustain private sector investment. Growth
jobs in the supply chains that support the port activity); and (ii) market intelligence (from market will be driven primarily by the private sector.
The Port of London is on the doorstep of research interviewing the port terminals). This £2.5 billion of port investment is already
and other indirect impacts. In total, the overall
Europe’s biggest metropolitan consumer market, market research was applied and forecasts were happening or planned over the next five years
Gross Value Added of the Port of London in 2015
with consumer spending in Greater London
was £4 billion.7 produced for all types of cargo handled in the alone. Sustaining these levels of investment
forecast to grow from £129 billion in 2014 to £199 Port of London, including intra-port traffic. requires a business-friendly framework of public
The port comprises a wide range of terminals, billion in 2035. London alone accounts for policy and for the PLA, as statutory harbour
including: approximately 22.9% of UK GVA, and as part of Stamford Research Group forecasts that total authority, to support a commercially attractive
the wider South East that figure increases to inter-port trade will increase to between 56 and port. As part of the development of this Vision, a
multi-purpose Port of Tilbury handling 38%.8 The Port of London is strategically placed 93 million tonnes in 2035, depending upon low or
containerised, roll on/roll-off and bulk ‘Port & Infrastructure’ group met, comprising
to best service this already huge and growing high assumptions (see graph, left). For some of the major terminal operators and key
commodities market. comparison, the largest tonnage ever handled public bodies. This group will be established as a
London Gateway, a specialised container in the Port of London was 61.6 million tonnes regular forum to deliver the growth goal for the
The PLA commissioned Stamford Research in 1964.
port Group to undertake forecasts of growth until Port of London. It will focus on influencing public
2035. The forecasts are a combination of: Forecasts for unitised trade, petroleum, spending decisions on major infrastructure
severaloil products storage terminals,
(i) econometric modelling (from estimates of future aggregates/cement, other cargoes, total intra-port projects, planning policy and, more generally,
including Navigator, Shell, NuStar, Esso
traffic and economic activity in the UK, based on and inter-port traffic are published in the Vision making the port as commercially attractive as it
and Calor Gas
section of the PLA’s website. can be.
terminalshandling building materials, Port of London Total Inter-port Cargo Forecast
100 92.7 2. Improve navigational access to the port.
owned by operators including Cemex, 90 82.7
Vision, 2035
80 75.8 79.0
The wider Thames Estuary contains the main
Hanson, Tarmac, Brett Aggregates and 64.6 72.7 We have set the goal: The 20 year Vision will
70 67.7
approach channels that provide access to the
Million Tonnes
J Clubb; over half the aggregates sold in 60 55.9 see the Port of London becoming the biggest
59.9 53.1 River Thames and the commercial port. This area
London are handled at a Thames wharf 50 51.3
40 49.3 it’s ever been, handling 60 – 80 million tonnes is a dynamic natural environment where sand
44.5 High
specialistterminals, including Europe’s 30 Central of cargo each year, on the doorstep of banks and shoals are constantly moving,
20 Low
largest cane sugar refinery, Tate & Lyle at 10
Europe’s biggest metropolitan consumer dissolving and reforming. The PLA is responsible
Silvertown and Ford’s engine making and 0 market for the conservancy of the tidal Thames, which
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
2027
2028
2029
2030
2031
2032
2033
2034
2035
logistics hub at Dagenham includes maintaining safe and open access to the
Source: Stamford Research Group, 2015 To achieve this goal in a safe and sustainable way,
port, by ensuring navigational channels deep
we have set the following priority actions:
enough to meet current and future shipping
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Port of
London
needs. The PLA will respond as appropriate to they allow the full range of river uses to Port of London in the UK Transport Network
changing market demands on both capital and continue, especially large sea-going vessels. In
maintenance dredging, whilst maintaining the this way we will enable growth in port trade and
highest standards of environmental protection. in the transport of goods and people by river. KEY
COASTAL/SHORT SEA SHIPPING
3. Improve rail and road access to port Widening of the A13, by the end of 2018. RAIL FREIGHT NETWORK
NATIONAL MOTORWAYS
operations/terminals, including: Increasing the capacity of the A13, especially at
PRINCIPAL ROADS
and adjacent to the M25 interchanges with the
Lower Thames Crossing downstream of
Tilbury, by 2025. There is a pressing case for a
Dartford Crossings, will reduce congestion and
ROSYTH
FACTS
the potential for knock-on effects. The current GLASGOW P Direct road connectivity to the national road
new Lower Thames Crossing. The consensus arrangement is unsustainable: incidents very
EDINBURGH
network via an eight lane motorway.
COATBRIDGE
view from port operators is that the most quickly have consequences, introducing inward
P Rail connectivity to the largest distribution
depots in the country and to mainland Europe.
strategic option is downstream from Tilbury. and outward delays for cargo handling facilities LONDONDERRY
P Within 35 miles of four of the nation’s
The reasons for this are: in the port. All port facilities in the area would NORTH CHANNEL
largest airports.
NEWCASTLE
reducing pressure on the M25 and the benefit from such an improvement in the local UPON TYNE P Importing and exporting goods, serving 65
million people across the UK.
existing Dartford Crossings road infrastructure and its links to the motorway
creatingnew routes linking the A13 and A2 network. BELFAST
M6 TEESPORT
the new logistics parks at London Gateway Closure of level crossings affecting WEST COAST
MAINLINE
and the Port of Tilbury operational terminals, by 2020. This will NORTH SEA
Highways England consulted on a new Lower create 24-hour free access, thus avoiding LEEDS
delays associated with railway level crossings, IRISH SEA HULL
Thames Crossing connecting Kent and Essex in M62 WAKEFIELD
IMMINGHAM
March 2016, with the recommended solution a which will be very beneficial for cargo handling MANCHESTER
DONCASTER
TRAFFORD PARK
dual carriageway connecting junction 1 of the facilities and safety. LIVERPOOL
DUBLIN SHEFFIELD
M2 to the M25 between junctions 29 and 30. 4. Deliver efficient, effective and sustainable MIDLAND
MAINLINE
This would cross under the River Thames via a PLA harbour and pilotage services to support M6
EAST COAST
bored tunnel crossing just east of Gravesend growth. The PLA’s core conservancy, harbour M1
MAINLINE
BIRMINGHAM
and Tilbury. A tunnel would ensure the full authority and pilotage duties support all types of
range of river uses continuing unimpeded, river use. DAVENTRY
especially access for large sea-going vessels, M5 M11
For commercial traffic we provide appropriately M1 STANSTED
as well as providing a 70mph motorway-to- LUTON FELIXSTOWE HAMBURG
maintained, marked and surveyed navigation
motorway connection with the greatest M40
SOUTHEND
ROTTERDAM
channels giving optimum access for customers.
improvement in journey times and a modern, PORTBURY HEATHROW PORT OF LONDON
We regularly invest in new equipment, vessels M4
LONDON
high quality road along its entire length. BRISTOL CHANNEL
CARDIFF
BRISTOL
and staff to survey channels and evaluate M3
M25
DUNKIRK
At least three further Thames crossings to channel depths against customer requirements. CORK
CALAIS
GATWICK CHANNEL
the east of Tower Bridge, that allow The same applies to Vessel Traffic Services
TUNNEL
SOUTHAMPTON
continuation of river trade, the first by 2022. systems and personnel in order to maintain
STRAIT OF
DOVER
All types of crossings – bridges, tunnels and effective planning and control of vessel
ferries – need to be considered. The first movements on the Thames. ENGLISH CHANNEL
proposed new crossing is the Silvertown
On pilotage, our goal is to provide the optimum LIMERICK
Tunnel. This has the potential to bring relief to
number of trained and experienced pilots to
the congested Blackwall Tunnel which was last
meet demand. Investment in both recruitment
expanded in 1967. It will bring significant
and training of new pilots will enable us to meet
economic benefits to both sides of the river. port, as this reduces the cost to the customer Our goal is continuously to improve our internal
increased demand and create a balanced pilot
For the second and third crossings, various and increases their flexibility for arrivals and processes to provide all river users with support
group age profile. This is a priority for the PLA.
locations have been proposed including departures. and advice around delivery of statutory
Continued investment in simulation capabilities requirements such as licensing, consents,
Gallions Reach and Halfway Reach We support safe growth in other river uses,
supports our pilot training regime and enables surveying, examinations and auditing, in a cost
(Belvedere/Dagenham). From the port’s including passenger boat operations, inland
us, with customers, to assess new business effective and timely way.
perspective, there is a pressing need for better waterways freight and sport and recreation,
opportunities through trialling vessel
river crossing infrastructure to enable transport through the provision of advice, publication of
manoeuvring. We will continue to support and
of freight, and improved connectivity for people. guidance, and provision of harbour services
encourage the use of Pilotage Exemption
These need to be sited and designed so that including river patrols and driftwood clearance.
Certificates for services calling regularly at the
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4.2 Inland freight – More goods off
roads onto the river
Today, 2016
The River Thames is a critical piece of transport
infrastructure, for the capital, the region and
nationally. It is by far the UK’s busiest inland
waterway, and volumes moved have increased to
Freight
Inland
the record level of 5.5 million tonnes carried by
river in 2014 as a series of strategic projects
contributed significant volumes of material being
moved on the river. Over the last ten years, if we
exclude major projects at Blackfriars Bridge
(Thameslink improvements), Lea Tunnel, London
Gateway dredging and Crossrail, a long-term
average of 2.15 million tonnes were transported
each year in the Port of London, with 1.8 million
tonnes moved in Greater London.
The Thames and its wharves (cargo-handling
facilities) are critical to the river borne supply and
movement of construction materials, spoil,
household refuse and vegetable oils. Efficient
handling of building materials and spoil is incentive for further private investment. We will Forecast demand river too. This would potentially enable the
essential for both large construction projects and look for all riparian sites to use the river where creation of better living environments, with fewer
practicable. Not just the major infrastructure With strong demand for new development and lorry movements and improved safety for
general building in the region now and to meet the
projects such as the Northern Line extension, but the resultant pressures on land in London, it is residents.
forecast construction demand in the future.
other scales of projects too as we have seen at more important than ever to protect viable
In 2014, over 7.3 million tonnes of marine Battersea Power Station and at Fulham Wharf. wharves and to bring into use those currently With the concentration of container ports at
aggregates were landed at Thames wharves, with vacant wharves. These will serve the needs of Tilbury and London Gateway and the growth of
sales from London wharves increasing each year There is a strong environmental case for using the the construction industry and other sectors, and logistic parks and Regional Distribution Centres
since 2010.9 Marine dredged aggregates provide tidal river for the transport of goods and materials. provide new opportunities to transport a wider (RDCs) on the banks of the Thames to the east, it
50% of all of London’s aggregates supply. With Every 1,000 tonne barge on the river takes 100 range of goods by river. In the consultations there makes sense to look at the potential for
continued population growth and depletion of lorry movements off the roads. This delivers a was a strong call to transport more and a greater transporting more of the goods that have come in
land-won resources, demand and need for marine number of wider benefits. It reduces congestion range of materials and new goods by river over by sea along the river to the largest consumer
dredged and imported aggregates will continue to on the roads with benefits for road safety, the next 20 years. market in the UK. This is the logical extension of
grow. particularly for cyclists and pedestrians which is a the port centric distribution model now replacing
key priority. It is the most environmentally As London grows to the east, there is potential to the established transport of goods in containers
At the moment the majority of goods moved on sustainable option. Transport by barge is supply these new communities, with the transport to Midlands distribution centres which then come
the river are from construction projects. These estimated to produce about one third of the of more household and containerised goods by back to London. Within the 20 year time period of
have shown what is possible in terms of moving greenhouse gas emissions per kilo carried, the Vision, this would potentially include
out construction and excavation waste and compared to the equivalent journey by lorry.11 Port of London Intra-port Traffic Forecast consolidation operations for construction,
7 6.2
bringing in construction materials by river. The 5.9 supermarkets and home deliveries, and unloading
Critical to making the most of the river for moving 6 5.7
recently started excavation works for the Northern
Million Tonnes
5.5 5.0 5.4 infrastructure, to deliver these by sustainable road
5.2
freight, cargo-handling facilities must be available 5 4.2
Line extension at Battersea will transport 600,000 3.9 vehicles. This has the added advantage of
4 3.7
tonnes of waste to Tilbury in Essex. This will throughout the capital, Kent and Essex, to get
3
3.6 making the Port of London more attractive to
remove over 40,000 lorry journeys by road and goods and materials on and off the river and to High
2 Central
importers – the quicker the flow through time for
prevent 2,000 tonnes of carbon emissions.10 maximise the benefit of the river’s east to west Low
1 goods from arrival at port through the logistics
link. This means both retaining viable current
What is critical is growing the baseload of goods 0 centre to arrival with the end user, the more
operational facilities and reactivating those not in
attractive the offer.
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
2027
2028
2029
2030
2031
2032
2033
2034
2035
and materials routinely moved by river. This will operation. Source: Stamford Research Group, 2015
sustain the industry at a higher level, providing the
1 page 14 1 1 page 15 1thames vision 2035 thames vision 2035
Freight
Inland
3. Maintain or reactivate viable cargo handling Tideway Tunnel, there are immediate needs for
facilities, with at least five additional facilities more, well qualified people to work on vessels.
brought into operation by 2025. Having exit and These people need to be well trained, so there is
entry points to the river is fundamental for freight a clear and pressing need to improve training
and cargo transported by river. Strategically- provision (including Boatmaster’s Licence
placed operational cargo handling facilities are qualifications), raise standards and enhance skills
needed to link with road and rail. Continuation of on the river.
London’s safeguarded wharves policy – which
protects viable wharves along the tidal Thames in The Thames Skills Academy is being established
Overall the Vision is proposing a step change in they are necessarily short term and cannot be Greater London for the transport of goods and as a Group Training Association. This is the long-
inbound and outbound movement of goods and foreseen. As such the Vision is promoting the materials – is vital. Equally so, reactivating established concept of a learning partnership, in
materials by river, rather than by road, setting a doubling of the ‘underlying’ average volumes safeguarded wharves that are lying dormant, with this case of marine-based employers, which is
target for the underlying, routine transport of moved on the river. There are economic benefits developers sitting tight hoping that they can be well placed to make the most of Government
goods, rather than a target that includes the major in terms of the efficiency of the logistics of turned instead into riverside housing training systems and associated funding.
infrastructure projects that are inherently more delivery of goods (from port to logistics centre to developments contrary to established policy.
“
volatile in terms of volumes. This type of modal end customer) of this approach, enhancing the Within the next decade, Peruvian, Orchard and
shift will require significant buy in and support at Port of London’s offer to customers. There are Hurlingham safeguarded wharves as well as
Government and local authority level. clear environmental and quality of life benefits wharves downstream of London should be
More emphasis on the value of using
too, in terms of reducing air pollution and road brought into operation. the Thames to reduce urban traffic
Vision, 2035 congestion. and statutory redirection of certain
We have set the goal: The 20 year Vision will 4. Extend the River Concordat to promote
2. Champion the Thames as a default choice freight movements by water. By setting a target trades to use river facilities rather than
see more goods and materials routinely moved for moving spoil and materials from
between wharves on the river – every year over we can gain momentum to make this change in road by targeted use of planning
infrastructure projects close to the river. The the same way that a target for passenger regulation, this will require buy in at
4 million tonnes carried by water – taking over challenges are to make the most of the potential
400,000 lorry trips off the region’s roads. transport on the river was very effective. By Governmental and Local Authority
of the river, for example by raising awareness and having a freight target, we can encourage the
To achieve this goal in a safe and sustainable way, sharing best practice: incorporating water
level so significant lobbying and
modal shift from road to rail, looking at timing of
we have set the following priority actions: transport into riparian boroughs’ transport plans freight, financial incentives (where appropriate) collaboration is required but could be
and wider planning policies, as has been and having the right infrastructure in place. a unity point for many stakeholders
1. Double underlying intra-port freight carried successful with the London Plan; use of
”
by water (i.e. excluding infrastructure conditions encouraging use of the river; and 5. Develop the Thames Skills Academy to
projects) to over 4 million tonnes. A modal shift encouraging trials of new services to existing provide the skills needed on the Thames. With
to routine transport of goods and materials by Navigator Terminals, Goals and Priority
cargo-handling facilities, for example in west sustained increases in passenger and freight
river is important. Whilst infrastructure projects movements on the Thames, and major Actions Consultation Feedback
London.
provide a significant boost to internal river traffic, infrastructure projects such as the Thames
1 page 16 1 1 page 17 1thames vision 2035 thames vision 2035
4.3 Passenger transport – More journeys
Today, 2016
The River Thames is an iconic piece of the
capital’s passenger transport infrastructure. The
Thames adds much needed transport capacity.
Boat trips are an attractive part of the tourist offer
and services provide access to the 35 Thames
riverside attractions. These are increasingly
important with the limited coach parking available
in central London.
In 2015 there were 10.3 million passenger
journeys on the Thames, continuing growth in
passenger travel of more than 150% over the last
decade. We are well on the way to reaching 12
million passenger journeys by 2020. Transport for
London is raising awareness of river transport
Passenger
Transport
through the ‘Open up London by Boat’ campaign
in 2016. The breadth of what is on offer is also
increasing: from commuter services to 23 piers
from Putney to Woolwich Arsenal; with the
commuter offer at Putney upgraded considerably
with two new vessels; dinner cruise and leisure boats; the Gravesend to Tilbury and Woolwich
environmentally the cleanest cruise ship afloat. some cases this means looking at ways to
ferries; a paddlesteamer from London to
Some £68 million investment is planned in improve the efficiency of how the river is used.
Southend; and fast RIB experiences.
passenger and cruise related services over the We also have to recognise that, at times, some
Our study into the ‘amenity value’ of the Thames next five years.13 river uses are simply not compatible in the same
demonstrated how much the river contributes to stretch of water at the same time.
Jointly with Transport for London, the PLA
the wider economy. Over £2 billion of GDP is
commissioned Marico Marine to ascertain the Vision, 2035
generated by tourism in the wards immediately
capacity of the river to accommodate passenger
adjacent to the Thames’ banks. In total there We have set the goal: The 20 year Vision will
and freight transport in central London. The
were 23.4 million visitor trips to attractions beside see double the number of people travelling by
evidence showed that there is considerable
the Thames, of which 4.7 million have a direct river – reaching 20 million commuter and
capacity for more transport on the river –
maritime connection, such as the Cutty Sark at tourist trips every year.
passengers and freight – with active management.
Greenwich or HMS Belfast at Tower Bridge.12
This is especially the case if more navigable To achieve this goal in a safe and sustainable way,
Forecast demand space is made and if we look to increase we have set the following priority actions:
passenger journeys in the early morning and
Demand for river commuter travel is set to grow. evenings, as well as outside of summer school 1. Make more efficient use of piers and river
This will be driven by population growth, close to holidays. To make the most of this, choices are space, including new timetabling to manage
the river. There is also increasing demand for needed. Growth in every aspect of river use will peaks in traffic. There is potential to manage
leisure services, for example new destinations not always be possible at the same time in the timetables to avoid the current situation where the
close to the Thames (e.g. the proposed same place. Our experience and the research river reaches peak capacity at a small number of
Paramount Theme Park on the Swanscombe shows that some limited parts of the river in very short periods of time in the vicinity of Tower,
Peninsula in Kent) and to different venues (e.g. central London are already at capacity in terms of Westminster and Embankment piers. New
travelling by boat to concerts at the O2) as well as numbers of vessels over a small number of very timetables will be set soon by London River
from increasing the leisure offer of the Thames short periods in the summer. Increasing river Services, the operators and the PLA. These will
itself. In 2015, the Thames hosted Viking Star, traffic in these areas is possible, but requires be scheduled to achieve better berth availability
then the largest ever cruise ship at a central effective leadership from the PLA and Transport and more effective management of passenger
London mooring; the ship is recognised as for London, with input from stakeholders. In piers. We will also look to see the scope for these
1 page 18 1 1 page 19 1thames vision 2035 thames vision 2035
“There is enormous potential for all
types of river use to grow in the
future. However, this should be
done in a safe and sustainable way
and in close collaboration with a
range of partners, including local
authorities, businesses, developers
and the wider public
”
Passenger
Transport
London Borough of Barking and
Dagenham, Goals and Priority Actions
Consultation Feedback
timetables to have regard for other users of the Bridge, and using the river to celebrate major also been raised about the implications of wash
river. Looking forward to future years, timetabling cultural events. for historic assets. To address these in a focused
should be routinely reviewed to make sure we are approach, a new consultative forum will also be
making most efficient use of piers and river space 3. Develop and implement a long-term pier established. We will also evaluate the
for the overall benefit of customers. We will also strategy. With London River Services, performance of new forms of wash mitigation
look at other options to better utilise river capacity commercial boat operators and the PLA working measures (for example the approach being trialed
in central London. together, we are looking strategically at the at the new Plantation Wharf Pier in Wandsworth).
current use of existing piers and potential siting of
2. Innovate to achieve more passenger future piers and pier extensions for the next 10-20 5. Secure the infrastructure required for
journeys at current low peak times. There is years. We see the potential for new piers at growth in the transport of passengers and
enormous capacity for increased passenger Barking Riverside, Thamesmead, Erith, Purfleet, goods on the Thames. An increasingly busy
transport outside of peak times from Easter to the Greenhithe (Paramount), Grays and Tilbury by river will require additional infrastructure.
end of September in central London. Operators 2025 as shown on the Opportunity Map. This Investment will be needed in boatyards; a modern
want to look at creating new opportunities to strategy will also form the basis for continuing multipurpose marine hub that can facilitate dry
attract people to the river outside of peak times work with riparian boroughs within and outside docking/ship repair, capable of handling all types
and places. Ideas include attracting more of the London to identify new opportunities. and sizes of vessels, and common user berths for
high numbers of people on the Southbank onto multiple uses, including transhipment, spoil
the river; more dining experiences; park-and-glide 4. Convene a consultative forum to address removal and deliveries in and out.
(i.e. park further down the river and come into issues of wash from growth in passenger
London by river); and boat tours to see nature on transport. At PLA public consultation events,
the river. Projects include adding excitement to including the Stakeholder Forum, concerns have
the river at night through illuminated bridges, been raised by houseboat owners and leisure
lighting bridges from Tower Bridge to Albert stakeholders about wash, and the potential for
more wash from a busier river. Concerns have
1 page 20 1 1 page 21 1thames vision 2035 thames vision 2035
4.4 Sport and recreation – More participants
Today, 2016
The tidal Thames is home to a wide range of
sports and recreation. There are more than 100
sport and recreation clubs along the Thames:
rowing clubs, that are predominantly up river of
Putney; and paddling clubs and water-sport
centres offering canoeing, stand up paddle
boarding and windsurfing up river of Putney,
below Tower Bridge and out towards the estuary.
There are also cruising, yacht and sailing clubs
along the length of the Thames, as well as a
number of scout groups and sea cadet units.
Every year, the Thames plays host to more than
80 major sporting events, including the University
Boat Race, the race for Doggett’s Coat and
Badge (run every year since 1715) and the Great
River Race. An estimated 5,800 people row on
the tidal stretch of the Thames each year.12
The Thames Path provides a place for walking
and cycling in the heart of London. There are at approximately 0.8 metres per second for a good The River Thames is on the doorstep of millions of participation on and alongside the Thames.
least 10 million walkers or cyclists on the Thames swimmer). The tidal flow of the Thames can run residents and visitors. This provides the We will seek to gather more data on current and
towpath each year. Joining it up from source to in excess of three knots (1.5 metres per second), opportunity to help achieve Sport England's goal, projected sport participation. Alongside this we
sea will raise its profile and attract more people to nearly twice the speed that a capable swimmer is as well as contribute to the delivery of London will look to make available, principally digitally,
enjoy it. A conservative estimate suggests the able to achieve. Over 100 swimmers have got Sport's vision to make London the most more information about sports provision on the
value of people participating in sport and into difficulties in the tidal Thames in the last five physically active sporting city in the world, with a Thames. The PLA’s work with the sport and
Recteation
Sport and
recreation on the Thames or its towpath is £132 years, requiring rescue. target of getting one million Londoners more recreation clubs along the Thames, as well as
million a year in terms of health and wellbeing active by 2020. Preserving the existing provision with Sport England and London Sport, will help
benefits.12 With the river becoming cleaner, there may be
for sport and recreation, enabling more people to deliver this. Sport England supports rowing,
more demand for swimming. We will continue to
engage through better information and building sailing and canoeing activity on the Thames,
Growing river use has to be supported by at least work with swimming event organisers, as well as
the provision further – within new housing through British Rowing, the RYA and British
the current high level of safety. We work closely the RNLI, MCA and others to ensure safety and
developments close to the river – will bring Canoeing. It will also be vital to work closely with
with all recreational clubs, and their representative appropriate facilities. There are also a number of
watersports to local communities. riparian boroughs and the Greater London
bodies, to provide accessible safety information proposals for lidos in the tidal Thames. If these
Authority, so that the required infrastructure along
for participants and to support a strong safety are appropriately located they could enable Given the projected increase in the use of the the banks, including access points, is prioritised
culture along the river. The Rowing Code of people to swim, if not in the river itself, then at river for more transport of people and goods, in local plans and wider strategies. We can learn
Practice for rowing on the Thames, updated in least on the river, as in a number of other cities there will be ‘Opportunity Zones’ in which to best practice from case histories of where
2015, by the PLA, British Rowing and Thames globally. focus growth in sport and recreation. housing development by the river has brought
Regional Rowing Council is a good example of
Forecast demand Vision, 2035 about an increase in water sport provision for
collaborative working to help users better
local communities, such as the new rowing
understand rowing safety on the tidal Thames. With a growing population in London, Kent and We have set the goal: The 20 year Vision will facilities at the Fulham Reach development.
Swimming is currently permitted by PLA Byelaws Essex over the next 20 years, there is considerable see greater participation in sport and
potential for growth in participation, by recreation on and alongside the water. 2. Extend sport opportunity zones on the
upriver of Putney. However, the tidal Thames is
developing extra capacity and increasing Thames. There is potential for the growth of
not a benign environment. Open swimming To achieve this goal in a safe and sustainable way, water sports both where there is a lot of activity
organisations, including the Outdoor Swimming awareness of the current sports provision. Sport
England launched its strategy ‘Towards an Active we have set the following priority actions: already, such as rowing above Putney, and in new
Society and the Wild Swimming magazine, advise
Nation’ in May 2016, seeking to get everyone areas: more rowing, kayaking, canoeing and
people not to swim in streams/tidal flows that 1. Ascertain current levels of sport
engaged in physical activity. stand up paddle boarding between Kew and
exceed their swimming speed (which is participation and work towards increasing
Teddington; more kayaking between Putney and
1 page 22 1 1 page 23 1thames vision 2035 thames vision 2035
“It's an ambitious project which
certainly outlines the current
situation, along with all the
complexities of its current users,
but the Vision demonstrates the
huge potential that the River has to
offer now and in the future
”
Greenwich Yacht Club, Goals and
Priority Actions Consultation Feedback Chelsea; and more kayaking as well as sailing
between Greenwich and Crossness, particularly
in Gallions and Barking reaches. Further east,
there are opportunities for more yacht clubs
serving sailing and motor boating as well as
4. Join up the Thames Path from source
to sea. Joining up the Path, keeping it well
maintained and sign posted along the full length
of the tidal Thames will require innovative thinking
and a wide range of organisations working
kayaking, and for rowing and paddle boarding in together. There is the task of ‘closing the gaps’
“
Benfleet Creek. on the existing Thames Path. This will require
new developments close to the Thames to retain
The Vision is excellent. 3. Realise new visitor moorings and publicise
Recreation
the existing path and its views, and where there
Sport and
We congratulate the the availability of all visitor moorings are gaps, extending the path and creating
effectively. We will examine the potential for access for local communities to it. There can be
PLA for producing such further visitor moorings on the tidal Thames.
a far-reaching and particular challenges in finding the best route
The Opportunity Map of the tidal Thames near wharves and terminals. This requires
enterprising plan (interactive format on our website) shows the pragmatic solutions that achieve appropriate,
alongside visitor moorings, up to 40 of them, at
”
safe public access, taking into account safety,
Town Pier, Gallions Point Marina, South Dock regulatory and operational requirements of the
Marina, Hermitage Wharf, Imperial Wharf, Oyster operator.
The Cruising Association, Pier, Plantation Wharf Pier, Dove Pier, Chiswick
Goals and Priority Actions Pier and Brentford Dock. There are also some There is also scope to support Natural England in
Consultation Feedback visitor moorings at Limehouse and St Katherine its work to create a coastal path around the
Docks. Many of the visitor moorings are whole of England, with the Thames area
infrequently used, in spite of a lot of consultation scheduled for work to begin in 2017.
responses stating that there are too few visitor
moorings. We will look at improving availability of
this information, particularly digitally, so that it is
easier to find, book and use the visitor moorings.
We will also look at the scope for improving
existing slipways and building new ones to
enable easy access to the river.
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