Thames masterplan set to scope long term river opportunities

The Port of London Authority (PLA) has begun a major masterplanning exercise to realise the growth opportunities along the Thames, and help integrate the river into the economy and lives of communities, as it starts implementing Thames Vision 2050.

Thames Vision 2050, is the river development framework launched late last summer at London’s City Hall. The tidal river is already home to the UK’s largest port and busiest inland waterway, a crucible for sporting talent and a unique natural habitat. The Vision sets out future priorities for the river around three themes:

• Trading Thames – the No.1 Net Zero UK trading centre
• Destination Thames – a place to live, visit, play and enjoy
• Natural Thames – clean air, water, and land, supporting diverse wildlife

Drawing on the PLA’s unique mix of marine and planning expertise, the masterplanning process will capture all potential strategic opportunities on the river and provide clarity in decision-making processes and as a tool for investment decisions. It will be developed with, and is expected to become a key tool for, partners and local authorities along the Thames.

“The Vision sets out the high-level ambitions for the river,” explained James Trimmer, director of planning and development at the PLA. “Through the masterplanning process we will build in the local detail, drawing out the opportunities for trade, travel, sport and nature along the Thames and its riparian hinterland.

“The masterplan will pick out the existing operations and potential options for development around trading and destination activities, and further improvements to the natural environment for each borough, including options for the delivery of Biodiversity Net Gain. Once complete, it will equip us with a clear spatial articulation of the ambition set out in the Vision, informing future planning and investment decisions.”

The 95 miles of the tidal Thames covers 22 boroughs and councils. In the initial phase of development, the PLA expects to work with the London boroughs of Bexley and Newham, and councils in the Thames Gateway. Masterplan development will be advanced at local level over the next 18 months; a river wide consultation will take place once the overall masterplan has been developed. Outline discussions have already started with overarching partners, including the Environment Agency, Greater London Authority and Thames Estuary Growth Board.

PLA chief executive, Robin Mortimer commented:

“The interface of riverbank and water, trade and environment, culture and sport can often seem a daunting, sometimes confusing mix. We are experts in the complexity of managing the point where river and land meets. As a result, we are uniquely placed to bring the key people together to develop the masterplan, which will be essential to making the most of the river over the long term.”

The masterplanning process will draw on forecasts and studies completed through the development of the Vision, together with bespoke work. These show that the river will be busier than ever in the future: up to 50% more cargo is expected to be moved than today; the scheduled passenger services network will grow; interest in the river for moving light freight and keeping white vans off the city streets is stronger than ever. There is a strong commitment to make watersports activity available to wider and more varied communities, through the Active Thames programme (https://activethames.co.uk/).

Thames masterplanning is part of the Vision Action Plan, which reflects the priority areas of: safety, net zero transition, resilience, technology and access and inclusion. To support growing river use, the PLA has committed as part of the action plan to developing a new marine control centre at its main base in Gravesend, its largest single investment in more than ten years.

Full details of the Vision, Action Plan, forecasts and supporting films can be found at: https://thamesvision.pla.co.uk/.