10.04.2008

Brick Work

Crane barge at Greenwich (click to enlarge image)

Port of London Authority contractors have been carrying-out major river wall repairs at Greenwich promenade.

Carillion Marine have repointed the brickwork and laid two-and-a-half-tonne stone 'mattresses' at the wall's base to shield the prom's timber foundations from the corrosive impact of the Thames.

For more than a century, fast flowing water has worn away parts of the river wall to expose the foundations. And the 150-year-old waterfront was also weakened when a chunk of wall was temporarily removed to allow the Cutty Sark to enter its dry dock in 1954.

Derek Maynard, the PLA's assistant civil engineer, said: "Carillion have put 52 'mattresses', wire cages packed with Kentish rag stone, into the water using cranes and divers.

"They've filled the space between the 'mattresses' and the wall with concrete, reinforcing the water front."

The repairs have been done in advance of a £7 million refurbishment for the promenade, which is joint-owned by the PLA and Greenwich Hospital.

Developers Stonehurst Estates plan to build two restaurants, a coffee shop and ticketing facilities for river users that will complement the town.

The PLA's head of property, John Ball, said: "The redevelopment will give the prom facilities that befit this World Heritage Site."