We reported back in March that London could soon benefit from a Greenwich-based port capable of supporting small and luxury cruise ships. Further coverage from the Express travel writer Deborah Stone includes new quotes which suggest that the port’s progression may be further along than we had previously thought and the city could be welcoming passenger ships as early as 2017.
The Mayor of London, Royal Borough of Greenwich and British cruise industry have all offered their support to the project known as the London City Cruise Port. Designed to be an integral part of the regeneration of Greenwich, the port could help the local tourism trade and create a large number of jobs in the area.
The position at Enderby Wharf is a perfect location due to the water’s natural depth and the close proximity to both the National Maritime Museum and Old Royal Naval College.
David Margason, Managing Director of Westcourt Real Estate, who are overseeing the project, says: “The cruise industry is hugely enthusiastic about the London City Cruise Port, and we are confident that London will become a key cruise destination.
“Longer stays will mean more employment and ship provisioning, resulting in cruise operators, visitors and crew spending more time and money in the locality – a move which is welcomed by London authorities together with business and tourist organisations.
“It will make a significant economic contribution to the Royal Borough of Greenwich and it is our aim to ensure that LCCP is a jewel in the crown for the area, offering a lively and enjoyable public space which can be enjoyed by visitors and residents alike.
“With the hotel economics at the site causing it to be replaced, a mix of new dwellings including affordable homes have been incorporated into the new plans which will also help reduce commercial traffic movements at the site.”
London is a popular excursion destination for holidaymakers cruising into Southampton, but a dedicated terminal in the capital can help visitors enjoy panoramic views from the Thames.
James Blakey, of London City Cruise Port’s planning consultants Cavendish, explains just some of the benefits: “We have worked hard with a variety of Governmental bodies and interest groups alongside the cruise industry to create an enhanced package of proposals which builds successfully on the previous approval that was unanimously supported by the Mayor and the Royal borough.
“The enhanced design will create a destination of true quality with spectacular viewings at this outstanding location on the River Thames whilst meeting the need to deliver a fit for purpose ship-to-shore terminal facility in the heart of the capital as part of a mixed use offer including a skills and training academy.”
Images sourced via DAVID ILIFF [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) or GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html)], via Wikimedia Commons
