Earlier this year, 853 reported on the lengthy closure of the Thames Path on the west side of the Greenwich Peninsula, and reported that it would be fully open again by September. GUY MIDDLETON saw the calendar, asked some questions, and has come back with good news…
853 exclusive: The river path that connects East Greenwich to North Greenwich is due to reopen this week after years of development work and a series of delays.
Greenwich residents will have their right to walk the Thames river path restored, as developers open up the East Greenwich bank path in its entirety.
The work to reinforce the river wall, install drainage and upgrade the path has been subject to a series of delays as the developers wrangled with a complex build and required permissions from range of authorities, including the Environment Agency and the Port of London Authority.
The works, which began in 2016, have forced residents and ramblers to brave Tunnel Avenue and the adjacent Blackwall Tunnel approach.
Developer Barratt – which controls the section around Enderby Wharf – completed the works in line with a revised commitment to do so by September. But Bellway – at Lovell’s Wharf – was unable to, with a number of factors understood to have delayed the construction.
Bellway’s section will be opened today (Friday) – but with further works to follow.
Greenwich Council has repeatedly called for the reopening of the pathway with regular site visits from officers.
The council and Bellway have offered different accounts of when the works will be completed.
A council spokesperson said: “The Thames Path is due be reopened this Friday with a temporary surface. It will need to be closed again for one or two days when Bellway carry out permanent resurfacing works.
“We understand that Bellway are waiting for a special surface course material to be delivered before they complete these works, and that it may take several weeks for the material to be delivered. We will urge Bellway to complete the works as soon as the materials are delivered so that residents can enjoy the fully reopened Thames Path.”
Bellway told 853: “Greenwich Council has confirmed the walkway will be re-opened on Saturday 6th October.
“It is surfaced at present but following works by Bellway Homes to The River Gardens development close by, a permanent resin bonded finish will be applied in the summer of 2019. The last application will be completed in two halves so the path will not be closed again.”
The reopened path will offer traffic-free travel connecting Greenwich’s riverfront around the peninsular to the Thames Barrier. The reopened sections also offer access to the newly renovated Enderby House, recently the subject of a licence request by pub chain Young’s.
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