Southwark's Greenland Pier set for revamp in time for Olympics

Greenland Pier at the eastern end of Greenland Dock in Rotherhithe is set to close in November/December while a survey is carried out to determine what upgrade work needs to be done. 

Southwark Council - which owns the pier - said specialist engineers will have to remove the structure from the water and place it in a dry dock while the inspection is carried out.  

Depending on the findings, the pier will have to close for between three weeks and three months.  

The work, which is an out of water survey required every 12 years, is vital for the good of the pier, and the long term continuation of the service.  

The pier is a stop on the Thames commuter catamaran service run by Thames Clippers between Embankment and Woolwich Arsenal Pier.  

The council said it would do its best to keep any disruption to a minimum and with its partners was investigating the possibility of allowing the clipper service to use alternative piers and routes while the work is being done. It said it would inform residents and clipper users of any alternative routes as soon as possible.  

Cllr Barrie Hargrove, cabinet member for transport, environment and recycling at Southwark Council, said:  

"The need for an important overhaul of this pier is now due, and with an anticipated increase in ferry numbers as the Olympics approaches, this is going to be the best time to carry out this work.  

"I apologise in advance for any inconvenience, but this is work that needs to be done and the sooner we can let passengers know of the works, the sooner they can plan around them."  

Background Information

Greenland Pier is used by about 500 - 600 passengers every day. Its location is here on multimap.  

Industry best practice requires that piers undergo an out of water survey every 12 years. It's estimated that the work may take up to three months, but it could be completed in a shorter time. The extent of the work depends on the findings of the survey.  

The work is scheduled for November/December.  

For more information on the closure and alternative routes, please contact Darell Carey on 020 7525 7307.