Boris backs London's first cruise terminal

The Mayor of London has endorsed plans for a major new international cruise terminal in Greenwich.

Designed by the Manser Practice the 2,085m² terminal at Enderby Wharf is expected to see up to 55 cruise ships dock in London once it is operational in 2017.

The wider plan for the wharf includes 477 homes by Barratt Homes as well as a public park and two residential towers at 31 and 23-storey’s high overlooking the Thames and a third 26-storey tower nearby. Approximately 16% of homes will be made available for affordable housing, with 28 for social rent.

London’s deputy Mayor for planning Edward Lister gave the green light to the revised plans for the wharf, which had previously been approved by Greenwich Council in July.

The new vision for the cruise terminal includes an improved drop off area for passenger baggage, a larger baggage area, larger loading and servicing bays and an enhanced transit area for coaches and taxis.

Three kiosks within the ferry terminal will provide retail facilities within the podium structure and will be accessible from a new boulevard which runs east-west through the site. The plans by Manser also keep the new Skills Academy from the original scheme and increase it in sze to 635m².

Speaking about the project Edward Lister, said: “We have worked with the local authority and the developer to ensure the new terminal and surrounding infrastructure will meet the needs of thousands of tourists coming to the city each year.

“It will provide a major boost to tourism, benefit the local economy and further contribute to London’s status as a world leading city.”

The scheme is being backed by Barratt Homes and US investment bank Morgan Stanley.