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Press Release Regeneration puts wind in the sail of London riverboat service From today, Londoners will have access to a new 220-seater catamaran - thanks to the success of a wealth of regeneration projects in the Capital. This accomplishment will be celebrated on board the Hurricane Clipper by Mayor Ken Livingstone, London Assembly Member Eric Ollerenshaw and Thames Clippers Managing Director, Sean Collins. Massive investment in the economy and infrastructure of areas along the Thames has led to an increase in demand for riverboat services. This has not only compelled Sean Collins to double the passenger capacity of his fleet, but has meant a new pier stop - Masthouse Terrace at the Isle of Dogs - has recently been added to the existing route. Sean Collins said: ‘Without a doubt, the regeneration of the formerly derelict London Docklands has been a major contributor to us setting up this business and passenger number increases year-on-year clearly demonstrate that river commuting is set to grow.’ It is the success of projects like those of the former London Docklands Development Corporation (LDDC), and the positive effect of more current projects like the London Development Agency’s regeneration of the Royal Docks and the Royal Arsenal in Woolwich, that have created such great opportunity for business. Derelict buildings and vacant land have been transformed into wharfside apartments and some of the most modern office complexes in London, and leading international companies now enjoy the highest quality buildings, facilities and infrastructure. Apart from the daily riverboat shuttle service, the catamarans take staff from major companies on familiarisation visits and delegates to major land-based conference and exhibition venues such as ExCeL - itself a product of a regeneration project. Mayor Ken Livingstone said: ‘I am delighted to be on the inaugural journey of this new catamaran service, made possible by the success of riverside and East London regeneration projects such as EXCEL, the Royal Docks and Woolwich Arsenal. There is much more to do though to enable wealth and opportunities to be shared by London's traditionally disadvantaged communities and to open up East London for new development - all priorities reflected in my key strategies. I am also committed to generating better use of the river to ease road congestion and traffic pollution in the capital and have already encouraged increased use of London's waterways through new Westminster and Tower Piers and by offering discounted travel on the Thames.' Eric Ollerenshaw, Chair of the Economic Development Committee, said: ‘This vessel is great news for all those Londoners who have been crying out for a river service on this scale for many years. Regeneration has obviously spurred investment like this in the Thames, and I hope that this is the first step in developing new and innovative approaches to solving London's transport problems.’ Notes to Editors Thames Clippers, formerly Collins River Enterprises, was established in May 1999 and is London’s fastest river transport and executive commuter service. The new 220-seater Hurricane Clipper can complete the commute to/from Canary Wharf/Savoy Pier in 22 minutes, at a capable speed of 26 knots. Pick-up points include Surrey Quays, Hilton Docklands at Nelson Dock, Masthouse Terrace at Isle of Dogs, Canary Wharf, St Katherine’s, London Bridge, Bankside and Blackfriars to Savoy Pier at Charing Cross Embankment. The London Development Agency works for the Mayor, Ken Livingstone, co-ordinating economic development and regeneration across the capital. With a budget of £300 million, the LDA promote business and work in partnership with industry, the public and voluntary sectors to create opportunities so all can benefit from London's economy. For more information, please call Lisa Paul on 020 7983 4228 or Jo Candlish on 020 7983 6550.
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