Farrell's vision faces a reality check as government support in doubt

Doubt has emerged over the government’s support for the Thames Gateway masterplan, set out by architect Sir Terry Farrell and consultant EC Harris. In an interview with QS News, Farrell called on the government to endorse his vision wholesale.

Despite the government claiming it backs the masterplan, the Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG) was unable to specify a single element of Farrell’s vision which it had agreed to carry out. Key elements of the Farrell/EC Harris proposal include creating two islands in the Thames, building a bridge over the estuary linking Kent and Essex, and placing 90% of the homes planned for the Thames Gateway in London.

A spokesperson for the DLCG said Farrell’s scheme had not been agreed to but was under discussion. She said: “We can’t do exactly as he would like due to planning restrictions. We need affordable houses, but we’ve not discussed if they should be constructed in London. The rest of the Thames Gateway also needs regenerating.” The spokesperson said the government would not back Farrell’s suggestion to call the area a national park: “There can be no industry or housing if it’s a national park. But what is being created is a parkland to live in.”

Farrell told QS News he wants the government to designate the Thames Gateway a “new kind of national park”. He argued that putting 90% of the 160,000 planned homes into London was crucial, as it would avoid the need to extend transport infrastructure and would locate people close to job opportunities.

The existing Thames barrier won’t work by 2100

Sir Terry Farrell

He added the islands would form a vital flood defence as a barrier could be erected between them: “The existing Thames barrier won’t work by 2100.”

DCLG will formally endorse the Farrell vision on 22 November at the Thames Gateway Forum. But the DCLG spokesperson said this would form only part of an interim report, with the final report to come a year after the government’s Comprehensive Spending Review.

Contractor Sir Robert McAlpine and engineer Buro Happold have joined Farrell’s Thames Gateway consultants, alongside EC Harris, the Bank of Scotland, Experian and the Future Foundation. McAlpine is advising on a business plan for the islands, which could feature an industrial port and adventure centre. Buro Happold is looking at harnessing the power from the Thames.