Tidal Thames Masterplan seeking views of communities in Wandsworth, Barking and Dagenham, and Havering

The Port of London Authority is calling on communities in Wandsworth, Barking and Dagenham, and Havering to share their ideas and ambitions for the River Thames in their area.  

All responses will be used by the PLA to inform its Tidal Thames Masterplan, which seeks to increase the river’s use for communities, businesses and recreation, as well as enhance its natural environment.

The Tidal Thames Masterplan, once complete, aims to become an essential guide for investment across all the 22 local authority areas along the river’s banks. Aligned with the three core themes of the PLA’s Thames Vision 2050, Trading Thames, Destination Thames and Natural Thames, the consultation results will document the scope for maximising the economic, environmental and social potential of the river at a local level.

Mike Atkins, Senior Planner at the PLA, explained:  

“We’re keen to give local people a chance to voice their opinions to guide future investment decisions that relate to the river in their area. Therefore, we want to encourage people who live in Wandsworth, Barking and Dagenham, and Havering, to consider the Tidal Thames Masterplan and put forward their thoughts and ideas on what should be included. We will also be engaging with the Greater London Authority, the Environment Agency, landowners and river-based businesses.”

The London borough of Wandsworth includes several Safeguarded Wharves, which represent key opportunities for the increased use of the river for water-borne freight, taking lorries off roads and seeing goods moved by river. It also includes the iconic Battersea Power Station, where there is potential for the increased use of the river bus service, as well as sustainability enhancements at the pier. Putney Embankment, which forms a key part of Wandsworth's heritage with regard to river sports and general recreational use of the river, and hosts various internationally important events and activities, will continue to be protected and promoted for river related recreational opportunities. Many other existing piers and structures in the area also have the capability for sustainability enhancements (such as electric charging or other green technologies).

With Barking and Dagenham’s large-scale riverside development at Barking Riverside, there are many opportunities for increased recreational facilities, as well as improved riverside paths and biodiversity enhancements. The borough also comprises a number of Safeguarded Wharves, which, with future investment and support could facilitate the growth of river freight.  

East of Barking & Dagenham lies Havering, which similarly has opportunities for both river-related freight and marine logistics, particularly around Frog Island and Coldharbour Jetty. As one of London’s greenest boroughs, with more than half of the borough designated as Metropolitan Green Belt, there are also opportunities for potential ecological enhancements in various locations, including at Rainham Marshes.

Running until 11 February 2025, the consultation for the Tidal Thames Masterplan in each of the boroughs of Wandsworth, Barking and Dagenham, and Havering, will be open for a period of eight weeks.

Comments on the draft plan can be made via the masterplan website, or sent to: [email protected]