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.
The 'mattresses' are positioned (click to enlarge image) |
"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."