It was designed by marine consulting engineers Beckett Rankine Partnership and Marks Barfield Architects, noted for also designing the riverside London Eye.

The striking structure features a lighting system designed by Turner Prize shortlisted artist Angela Bulloch. The new river service operating from the pier links the Tate Britain art gallery at Millbank with the Tate Modern gallery downriver at Bankside Pier, stopping along the way at Waterloo Pier to discharge passengers visiting the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, and other central London attractions.

Ken Livingstone commented, 'This new pier, almost a work of art itself, highlights how important the Thames is to London. The Thames has shaped London's past and will continue to shape its future, with new architecture, regeneration projects and transport links growing up around it.'

The new Tate to Tate service will operate in conjunction with commuter services run by Thames Clippers, whose new flagship vessel Hurricane Clipper was decked out in a spotted motif by contemporary British artist Damien Hirst. Already designated 'the art boat', the new service will make a further contribution to the rapid rise of cultural activity along the Thames and pull additional tourists into London.

From the marine construction representation at the event, Tim Beckett, Director of Beckett Rankine Partnership said, 'Millbank Pier sets a new standard for passenger piers in London and indeed everywhere else. It is an unusual integration of art, architecture and maritime engineering which has been excellently executed by a skilled and long-suffering construction team. We are proud of Millbank Pier and hope that the public enjoys it as much as the team who built it.'

MJ Information No: 18393