Bexley was the first London Borough to be included in the new ‘Tidal Thames Masterplan’ published this week (6 December) by the Port of London Authority (PLA). The Council has welcomed the findings within the report.

The key options for Bexley highlighted in the Masterplan are:

• Erith Town Centre, home to the longest pier in Greater London, which has the potential to become the borough’s first River Bus Station.
• Promotion of existing riverside sporting facilities, such as Erith Yacht Club and Erith Rowing Club.
• Highlighting the importance of the Tidal Thames and its local tributaries and other water courses, such as the River Cray along with Erith & Crayford Marshes, which all provide valuable habitats for wildlife

The Leader of the London Borough of Bexley, Cllr Baroness O’Neill of Bexley OBE, said:

The publication of the draft Tidal Thames Masterplan is a really positive and welcome contribution to how we look at the future improvement and management of the Thames in our borough.

We know the value of the waterfront and know how much more could be done to utilise this important river bank asset.

The option of Bexley’s first River Bus Station and the potential use of the existing facilities is brilliant news for the borough. The Erith Pier would be an idea place for this.“

Supporting the PLA’s delivery of the overarching Thames Vision 2050, the Tidal Thames Masterplan will detail the potential to boost trade, travel, sport and the environment along the course of the river.

The next stage of the plan development will see the PLA launching an eight-week public consultation to inform its further development of the Tidal Thames Masterplan, covering Newham and Tower Hamlets.