FOI - Thames Walkway [Jun 2025]

1. We make this request pursuant to section 1 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000.

2. [ ] In particular, we are interested in information relating to the walkway along the River Thames between the southwest corner of Blackfriars Bridge and the boundary with the adjacent property to the west (Sea Containers House) (Walkway). There are two access points to the Walkway which are shown marked with crosses on the enclosed plan, one by Blackfriars Bridge and the other via Marigold Alley. The Walkway is outside the public house known as Doggetts Coat and Badge located at 1 Blackfriars Bridge, London SE1 9UD and between the river and the residential flats at River Court. We understand that in connection with various ticketed public events organised under the auspices of the Mayor of London the Walkway has on various occasions (such as the New Year’s Eve fireworks displays) been closed without our client’s consent and an entrance fee charged for access over the Walkway in connection with the events.

3. We seek the following information in so far as it applies and is held by the Mayor of London:

3.1. All occasions the Walkway has been closed for ticketed events since (and including) 31 December 2013, including the reason for closure.

3.2. By whom the Walkway was closed in each instance.

3.3. Under what grounds and statutory powers the Walkway was closed in each instance.

3.4. Details of any ticketing revenue collected by the Mayor of London or any other affiliated entity, by reference to each event in connection with which the Walkway has been closed.

4. We remind you of your obligation to apply a granular, rather than global, approach to the assessment of the information requested.
 

5. We await hearing from you.

Response

I can confirm that the GLA holds information within the scope of your request.

The GLA only holds information related to the New Year’s Eve events when the area in question is not closed but rather access restrictions, and facilitated access, on safety grounds, are put in place.

Please find below and attached the information we hold within the scope of your request.

3. We seek the following information in so far as it applies and is held by the Mayor of London:

3.1. All occasions the Walkway has been closed for ticketed events since (and including) 31 December 2013, including the reason for closure.

The GLA only holds information related to the New Year’s Eve events, and these restrictions were in place for the 2023 and 2024 events. This is not an access route to a ticketed area, and access is facilitated for businesses and residents. These restrictions are put in place as a safety measure to protect business and residents in this area, along with individuals, from large numbers of people without tickets converging on this space and causing dangerous overcrowding.

3.2. By whom the Walkway was closed in each instance.

In 2023 and 2024 the GLA’s appointed event management company placed the restrictions in this area, with the support of stewarding contractors. The plans were discussed with statutory agencies including the local authority and Metropolitan Police Service, along with the management company of the residents.

3.3. Under what grounds and statutory powers the Walkway was closed in each instance.

These restrictions are put in place on the grounds of health and safety to protect business and residents in this area, along with individuals, from large numbers of people without tickets converging on this space and causing dangerous overcrowding.

The restrictions are communicated to business and residents in the months leading up to the event via letter drops which take place to all affected properties and include details of the restrictions as well as information on how access is facilitated for businesses and residents. (attached is the letter).

There was direct communications and wristband management by 'Kings Reach,’ which we believe are the management company of the residents, and they request wristbands for all residents for both River Court and Rennie Court. Engagement with this team is also undertaken regarding access arrangements and how this is managed. All businesses and residents are also able to communicate with Identity both during the planning phase, with contact details provided on the letter drop, and on the night by phone or email, details of which are also provided in the business and residents letter.

3.4. Details of any ticketing revenue collected by the Mayor of London or any other affiliated entity, by reference to each event in connection with which the Walkway has been closed.

There are no fees charged for access to this part of the riverside or Blackfriars Bridge for the GLA’s New Year’s Eve events.