More commuters could be given the option of travelling to work by boat after planning permission was given for a new passenger landing pier between Wandsworth and Battersea railway bridges.
Hundreds of residents rely on the Putney to Blackfriars riverbus service and this newly-approved development at Plantation Wharf in Battersea will create an extra stopping point in the borough for those looking to travel into and across the capital along the River Thames.
The main pierhead pontoon at Clove Hitch Quay, Plantation Wharf, is designed to be served by riverboat services. It will be provided with lighting and a passenger shelter for year-round use, including seating, a passenger information board and CCTV.
The public passenger landing pier will be provided in conjunction with pontoons housing nine private residential moorings and two leisure craft moorings.
Wandsworth Council’s planning committee chairman, Councillor Nick Cuff, said: “A new public passenger landing pier will offer an alternative mode of transport for local people and tourists as well, play a part in alleviating overcrowding on nearby bus routes and boost the local economy.”
Riverboat operator Thames Clippers recently expanded its operation to St George Wharf in Vauxhall and it intends to further extend the commuter service as far as Putney.
A report from the service provider said the Plantation Wharf stop would be instrumental in providing the level of footfall required to develop such services, describing it as “the missing link in the overall vision of a comprehensive river transport service”.
