Work on Thames cable car set to begin

Date: 19/4/2011

This summer will see work begin on a cable car over the Thames, believed to be the first urban system of this type in the country.

The cable car will provide a direct, quick and low-emission transport link between the Royal Victoria Docks and the Greenwich Peninsula while contributing towards the ongoing regeneration of the eastern part of the capital, Transport for London (TfL) announced.

Designed by Wilkinson Eyre, it will serve venues and hubs such as the ExCeL centre, the O2 and London City Airport and will complement the Crossrail project.

A consortium led by Mace - which has previously been involved with the London Eye and is presently building the Shard Tower and helping with the London Olympic Stadium - has been appointed to start work.

"This innovative airborne travel link will be a vital component in the ongoing renaissance of a vibrant easterly quarter of the capital, providing a much-needed river crossing," said Mayor of London Boris Johnson.

TfL confirmed last month that it was to go ahead with the cable car project as part of its Business Plan for work taking place up to 2014-15.

Posted by Nick Anderson