PLA spots areas of untapped potential across five London Boroughs

The PLA has today identified how the River Thames offers untapped potential for five more Local Authorities across London, Kent and Essex as part of a project to identify options for unlocking growth, improving environmental outcomes and supporting local communities.  

As part of its ongoing project to develop a Port Masterplan, covering over 20 local authorities along the tidal River Thames, the PLA is using its unique mix of marine and planning expertise, while working with local stakeholders, to identify sites suitable for economic development, for nature and biodiversity, and for tourism and physical activity.  

The five latest boroughs to be included in the plan are Dartford, Hammersmith and Fulham, Southwark, Thurrock, and the City of Westminster.  

As part of its work, the PLA has identified opportunities for the river to be used to move freight, maximising use of existing piers, relieving pressure on road traffic and cutting emissions; river related opportunities in regeneration areas such as at Grays and Purfleet; green shipping options; reactivation of safeguarded wharves and the continuing promotion of river recreation activities on the river.   

Once complete, the Port Masterplan, which has already published plans for eight local authorities, will capture potential strategic opportunities along the full 190 miles of riverside of the tidal Thames. This will provide clarity in decision-making, and aid investment decisions for government and businesses, as well as giving the wider public greater insight into planning.  

Michael Atkins, Senior Planning Officer, at the PLA, said:  

“The River Thames is the lifeblood of London, Kent, and Essex and we want to explore how we can support all boroughs across the region to unlock growth, improve the environment, and help local communities. In particular, the river could play a significant role in moving freight – reducing emissions and congestion, while supporting fast and efficient logistics across a huge geographic area.”  

The proposals for the five authorities are open for consultation and comment from local communities and stakeholders.  

Dartford 

Key opportunities here is around the promotion of the transportation of goods (particularly light freight) into and out of London, particularly around the PLA owned DIFT facility and existing jetties previously used as part of the former Littlebrook power station. Other highlights include the promotion of existing facilities such as the safeguarded Johnsons Wharf and Greenhithe Causeway. 

Hammersmith and Fulham 

For Hammersmith and Fulham, key opportunities are arounds its three safeguarded Wharves: Comley’s Wharf, Swedish Wharf, and Hurlingham Wharf. There is also scope for light freight opportunities at Chelsea Harbour Pier. 

There are a number of existing rowing clubs and other recreation facilities that are protected and promoted through the plan, as well as sites with existing river infrastructure (Tea Rose Jetty / King Henrys Reach Pier) that are promoted to be brought back into use for potential recreational / environmental improvements.  

Southwark 

For Southwark the main Port Masterplan aim is on the introduction of new infrastructure to facilitate light freight on existing piers, including such as at Bankside Pier. Potential additional moorings space is also promoted in the Chambers Wharf area due to beneficial water depths. Construction work utilising the river at Minerva house is also highlighted as a great case study for showing how the river can be better used during the construction stage of development schemes.  

Thurrock 

Significant potential here to support future growth and regeneration, including sustainability measures, such as green shipping corridors are also promoted in the Port Masterplan. Regeneration proposals at Grays riverside and Purfleet riverside are also promoted. Thurrock also has a number of important environmental designations which need to continue to be protected and improved.  

Westminster 

Similarly to Southwark, Westminster is also promoting light freight use, at Woods Quay and Millbank pier. Existing operations are also promoted in the city, including at locations such as RNLI Tower Lifeboat Pier and Westminster Boating Base. There are also broader opportunities highlighted in Westminster on potential future heat network opportunities and role the river could play in achieving this.  

Responses to the consultation can be sent to [email protected] or via this form before 9 February 2026.