London cable car project gets approval from Newham Council
19.01.11
THE first hurdle to Boris Johnson’s Cable Car plan has been overcome with approval from Newham Council. The council’s planning committee last night agreed to a main north tower of up to 87 metres at Clyde Wharf, north-west of Bell Lane. There will also be an intermediate tower of up to 66 metre to support the gondola cable and communication centre and a two-storey station, incorporating a drive room, concourse, ticket office and retail space.
The cable car will stretch for 1,100 over the River Thames to the North Greenwich Peninsula. Greenwich Council is set to decide on planning permission for its side of the scheme later this month. Newham Council’s planning officers had recommended approval, with a report adding: “The principle of a cable car development between Greenwich and Royal Victoria Dock is consistent with the Council’s policy and regeneration aspirations for the area and will serve as an important catalyst in enabling the Royal Docks and the wider north east London region to establish itself as a Green Enterprise District and a tourist destination by improving transport accessibility and connectivity. “It will also serve to enhance and enliven what is currently an underused part of the docks.”
The Mayor of London Boris Johnson wants the project completed in time for the 2012 Olympics, but there have been doubts raised recently that the cable car be built in time and within the original £25 million projection cost.
Source: Docklands24