Official Launch of Battersea Power Station Pier
Deputy Mayor of London for Transport, Val Shawcross CBE, and Cllr Govindia, leader of Wandsworth Council, welcomed 26 Chelsea Pensioners aboard for a trip to City Hall at the official celebration of the new Battersea Power Station River Bus pier yesterday.
Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the official opening of the pier, a party of Chelsea Pensioners joined Val Shawcross CBE, and members of the Battersea Power Station team aboard an MBNA Thames Clippers vessel travelling to London Bridge City, the nearest pier to City Hall.
The River Bus service, operated by MBNA Thames Clippers, brings Battersea Power Station within 15 minutes of Embankment for the West End, 19 minutes of Blackfriars for the City and 40 minutes of Canary Wharf. Boats run every 20 minutes during peak commuting hours and every 30 minutes off-peak and at weekends.
The service provides an additional route for residents and workers at Battersea Power Station as well as the thousands of visitors to Circus West Village, the first phase of the regeneration project to complete. Circus West Village is the home of several new restaurants, bars, shops, cafes and a new arts and events venue, The Village Hall.
Val Shawcross CBE, London Deputy Mayor for Transport, said:
“I was delighted to officially open the new Battersea Power Station pier yesterday and to welcome the Chelsea Pensioners aboard the River Bus for a visit to City Hall. Encouraging greater use of the Thames is a vital part of the Mayor’s transport strategy, and the Power Station pier will help to increase river passenger numbers and keep the city moving.”
Cllr Ravi Govindia CBE, leader of Wandsworth Council, said:
“We are delighted that Wandsworth is now London’s best connected river borough giving people more transport choice than ever before. The opening of the pier is also yet another milestone in the regeneration of Nine Elms which is the great source of new jobs and homes in the country.”
Simon Murphy, CFO and Deputy CEO of Battersea Power Station Development Company, said:
“The launch of the River Bus service is a major milestone for Battersea Power Station, connecting our residents directly to the West End and beyond, and bringing visitors to our new shops and restaurants. I’m especially glad, with Remembrance Sunday just past, that we’re able to host the Chelsea Pensioners yesterday.
“On behalf of our shareholders, we hope that the Chelsea Pensioners and other local residents enjoy travelling on the river, starting off with a great view of the Power Station, one of the city’s famous landmarks.”
Sean Collins, CEO of MBNA Thames Clippers, said:
“Battersea Power Station marks the 22nd pier in our network. It is a key location that is of real benefit to the already four million passengers who use our services and will open up efficient and comfortable transport across London to residents of a dynamic area. In this important month for remembering and honouring service men and women, we are thrilled that Battersea Power Station has agreed an exciting partnership to offer local residents the Chelsea Pensioners free travel for life on MBNA Thames Clippers services. Connecting London communities is one of the key missions for MBNA Thames Clippers and we are excited to expand yet further across the capital.”
The Malaysian shareholders of the Battersea Power Station project are committed to giving back to the communities in which they operate. They recognise the importance of creating shared value and this is embedded in all their undertakings to ensure that they contribute to building a harmonious and caring community.
To mark the official opening of the new service, in partnership with MBNA Thames Clippers, Battersea Power Station Development Company (BPSDC) has given Chelsea Pensioners unlimited complimentary trips on the River Bus service so they can enjoy journeying through London by boat