Dr Stanley Quek, chairman of Wandsworth Riverside Quarter Ltd said, ‘Our investment provides access to fast, reliable river transport for all residents of this area of Wandsworth. At the same time we have honoured an important promise made to residents of Riverside Quarter. I like to think we will also give a valuable boost to river based transport in London at what appears to be a critical stage in its development.’

Initial services were eventually joined by a new high speed 55 seat catamaran.

Adaptations to the current visitor’s moorings, which were designed for disabled access, are being made by the original marine design and engineering specialists Houlder Limited, which as primary contractor is providing the design work, project management, supervision, and health safety assessment. The scope of the new works includes handrails on the pontoon with low level wires, automation of the current secure access system to allow public access when river taxis dock, better cushioning with ‘D’ fenders to allow faster docking, installation of an electronic departure board to be provided by Transport for London (TfL), and a new notice board with timetables and tide times. The installation works are being executed by ET Marine.

Further investment is planned for this month, when dredging of the riverbed around the pier will enable the river taxis to dock at even the lowest tides. The dredging operation, tendering details for which have yet to be finalised, must wait until autumn so as not to disturb the traditional spawning of smelt (a cousin of the salmon) in the Thames at Wandsworth. In the meantime, low tides will prevent no more than five services per month, and affected services will be highlighted on the pier’s notice board. 

Demand for the new service is expected to be high from local residents looking for an alternative to Underground services from East Putney and overground rail services from Putney or Wandsworth Town. With the Mayor of London supporting the expansion of river services, more such works are likely.