London calling: what will Greenwich port mean for cruise?

Planning permission for a port in Greenwich was first granted in 2009 – now, a terminal in London could well be upon us. But what would it mean for cruise?

Plans for the capital’s new international cruise terminal, which has been named the London City Cruise Port in the borough of Royal Greenwich were submitted earlier in the year following extensive discussions with the cruise industry, government and interest groups. But what will a cruise port in central London mean for the industry?

The cruise terminal, to be located at Enderby Wharf on the Greenwich Peninsula, received the support of the Mayor of London and the Royal Borough of Greenwich in 2012 when planning permission was originally granted following a detailed report for the Mayor in 2009. While the facility has had to overcome some planning issues within the last six years, it has more recently started to move forward again after plans were resubmitted and approved.

The facility now plans to operate turnaround cruises, rather than just using it as a port of call. This will mean more time spent in the capital, more money for the local economy and more of a pull to overseas cruise passengers, who will no longer have to tender across to ships moored by HMS Belfast.

The Royal borough of Greenwich has a long and distinguished maritime history with vessels from around the world visiting the peninsula on a regular basis, including the recent Tall Ships Regatta, which was held at the end of 2014. It was also home to the United Kingdom’s world famous naval college and now has the Maritime Museum. The new cruise terminal aims to continue this well-established and prestigious maritime relationship. It will be focused on bringing luxury vessels to Royal Greenwich from 2017.

David Margason, managing director of Westcourt Real Estate, which is overseeing the development of the terminal in association with its investors, said: “The cruise industry is hugely enthusiastic about the London City Cruise Port, and we are confident that London will become a key cruise destination.

“Longer stays will mean more employment and ship provisioning, resulting in cruise operators, visitors and crew spending more time and money in the locality — a move which is welcomed by London authorities together with business and tourist organisations.

“It will make a significant economic contribution to the Royal Borough of Greenwich and it is our aim to ensure that LCCP is a jewel in the crown for the area, offering a lively and enjoyable public space which can be enjoyed by visitors and residents alike.” 

James Blakey, of LCCP’s planning consultants Cavendish, added: “We have worked hard with a variety of governmental bodies and interest groups alongside the cruise industry to create an enhanced package of proposals which builds successfully on the previous approval that was unanimously supported by the mayor and the royal borough. The enhanced design will create a destination of true quality with spectacular viewings at this outstanding location on the River Thames whilst meeting the need to deliver a fit for purpose ship to shore terminal facility in the heart of the capital as part of a mixed use offer including a skills and training academy.”