Member Article

Minister for London hails River Thames potential for growth and calls for greater integration

The Minister for London, Gavin Barwell, has called for a more considered integration of the River Thames for the development of future projects in the capital, describing the river as integral to the city’s growth.

Barwell, who is also Minister of State for Housing and Planning, said that, if properly utilised, the river could help to take polluting lorries off the road and improve the quality of air for Londoners, but only if its full potential was for moving freight was fully realised.

With London’s population set to grow to over 11m people by 2050 centered around major development projects in East London and the Thames Gateway, the Barwell believes there is vast potential for the river to become a key artery for the delivery of construction materials.

His comments came about following a discussion with Port of London Authority (PLA) Chief Executive, Robin Mortimer, which looked at how the PLA’s 20 year growth plan will help support communities in and around the iconic river.

The PLA itself has called for the increasing amount of developments popping up along the River’s route to more sensitively consider their relationship with the Thames and protect its use for leisure and recreational activities.

Barwell said: “We need to be sure new developments connect us to the river, allowing people to walk unhindered along the Thames path, maintaining this wonderful open space and bringing greater access to everyone.

“We could also benefit from further infrastructure to allow our services like waste and construction materials to be transferred from the land to the water and piers for people to use the river to commute to work.”

Echoing the MP, Robin Mortimer added: “People love the river for its iconic open views, access to nature and sporting activities and it is important that as new houses and business space is built, we utilise this space to get the most out of it for everyone.”