Information about this scheme

Royal Wharf Pier is a new riverboat terminal on the Thames, located beside Ballymore and Oxley’s Royal Wharf development in London’s Royal Docks. The 130m long pier harnesses infrastructure as an integral part of valuable public realm, addressing the practical requirements of Thames Clippers’ traffic, while also creating memorable and generous public space for all to enjoy. The pier extends the Royal Wharf development’s riverside walk with a generously wide 40m-long promenade: a fixed element reminiscent of traditional British seaside piers and publicly accessible all year-round. At its heart is a viewing platform which floats over the Thames and incorporates bench seating, offering a generous gathering space that invites people to linger and admire the unique views along the river. Beyond the viewing platform, a floating gangway leads to the pontoon of the Thames Clippers terminal.  The skewed layout of the pontoon creates plentiful open space around the sheltered waiting area, allowing boats to dock easily. The shelter creates a striking silhouette from the river with a cut and folded butterfly roof, concealing the pier’s structural elements to enhance the illusion of weightlessness, while a large glass façade captures wide views along the river. Within, the generous waiting area is a comfortable space with built-in seating and ticketing facilities. A consistent material palette speaks to both the practical needs and maritime setting of the scheme. Building upon the ship-building processes used to manufacture the pier, the primary structure is steel - painted dark grey to offer a contemporary look that weathers well – and complemented with durable marine grade hardwood for user comfort and a sense of cohesion. Throughout, timber has specifically been used to create the seating provisions. In contrast to the steel structure, this creates a warm, tactile finish and in turn a more comfortable user experience. The Royal Wharf Pier brings together public space and infrastructure, in an economically viable, yet high-quality, accessible social space for everyone, offering a long-term, positive contribution to its riverside setting, encouraging social interaction between the local community – new and existing - Londoners and visitors alike.