over the coming decades,”
said Robin Mortimer, PLA chief executive. “This trip was a great opportunity to share with the commissioners the Vision for
the Thames that we shaped
with stakeholders over the last
18 months. We hope that the
Vision will give the Commission
a ready reference for the
potential growth in use of the
Thames and what needs to
be done to unlock it.”

Briefing the commission on board
an MBNA Thames Clipper were representatives from organisations including: Tate & Lyle, Ford, MBNA Thames Clippers, the Port of Tilbury, London Gateway Port, the RSPB
and housing group Peabody.

The visit came a few days after the PLA formally launched its Thames Vision, a plan for the development of the river over the next 20 years.

“There is a renewed focus on the Thames as a catalyst for growth

area can develop, attract and retain skilled workers, while making the
most of opportunities from planned infrastructure investment, including
the Lower Thames Crossing.

Former Deputy PM Lord
Heseltine and members of the Thames Estuary 2050 Growth Commission have taken to the Thames for a fact finding trip.

Hosted by the Port of London Authority (PLA), the group sailed the Thames from Tower Pier through east London as far downriver as London Gateway
and Thames Oilport. On board, they were briefed on port trade, passenger travel, riverside
housing developments and environmental issues, among
other things.

The Growth Commission was created in this year’s spring budget. It’s been charged with developing a vision and delivery plan for north Kent, south Essex and east London. Commission members will look at how the