A new passenger landing pier was called for in the lower reaches of the River Thames to give river access close to the major urban regeneration at the historic Woolwich Arsenal. Here the old buildings have been converted and transformed into desirable residential accommodation with a significant focus on the River.

Beckett Rankine have designed the pier and its canting brow access bridge together with locating piles. The location is more exposed than the sheltered upper reaches of the river making it necessary for stronger structural designs including collision loading on the bridge.

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A large exhibition was set up at Greenwich for twelve months to celebrate the new millennium. A number of substantial sculptures were included with several focusing on the water at this prominent location on the River Thames. Anthony Gormley's statue "Cosmic Cloud" was selected for a position at the site's river entrance.

Beckett Rankine designed the supporting substructure for the sculpture using a dolphin from the passenger landing pier. Four cast iron piles originating from the 100 year old coaling jetty were augmented by a new pile with bracing to resist the statue's additional wind loading.

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Riverside Quarter is part of the regeneration of the southern bank of the River Thames converting a brownfield site into new residential properties with modern riverside facilities with boathouses and a riverbus service. The old river walls restrain the tidal river flow and also form part of the flood defences along the River Thames.

Beckett Rankine are involved in condition surveys of the river walls and have designed works to strengthen and enhance these traditional masonry structures. Environmental issues have been considered and mitigation measures include new barges for birds to nest and roost.

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Millbank Millennium Pier breaks new ground in the design of passenger piers. The pier links Tate Britain, Tate Modern and Saatchi gallery by riverboat. Consequently the aesthetic appearance of the pier was a critical requirement in the design which considers the pier as a functional floating sculpture formed of faceted steel plates.

Beckett Rankine had overall responsibility for design of the new pier and supervision of its construction. At night the pier is transformed by Angela Bulloch's 'Flash & Tidal' artwork which is built into the pier's structure. The pier has been nominated for several design awards.

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The Thames-side barge wharf at Rainham had been constructed following the Second World War using some of the floating roadway units that had returned from the Mulberry Harbour. Facilities at the wharf needed to be modernised to accommodate large self-discharge dredgers. The imported gravel is much needed for construction.

Beckett Rankine inspected the marine facilities and designed strengthening to the existing dolphins. New dolphins were also designed to support a replacement pontoon and a new conveyor system. A check was carried out on the flood wall in the area of the new stockyard.

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A large residential complex is being developed at St George Wharf near Vauxhall Bridge in London. A passenger pier for river craft was included in the local authority planning agreement. This is part of the Transport for London initiative which includes using the River Thames as an important link in the overall public transport system.

Beckett Rankine have planned and designed the new pier and will supervise its construction. This work has included site investigations, hydraulic model study, environmental analysis as well as submitting applications for approvals from all relevant authorities.

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The former Shell Oil terminal in the lower reaches of the Thames Estuary is to be redeveloped as a deep water port. Its close proximity to London and the motorway network makes this a good site for a substantial container terminal. P& O ports worked with Jacobs Shipping to include a roll-on, roll-off freight terminal.

Beckett Rankine prepared a masterplan for the roll-on, roll-off terminal as the first part of the development. This included outline design of ferry berths with pontoon and linkspan bridges to accommodate the six metre tidal range, together with shoreside facilities.

Click here to download an information sheet for this project.

Click here to download an information sheet for this project.

This project is part of the urban renewal of Grays Town on the Northern bank of the River Thames in Essex. It involves the refurbishment and opening up of the Old Town Wharf to provide public access to the riverside. The old timber, steel and concrete berth structures have been replaced by an area for public amenity.

Beckett Rankine designed the new sheet piled river frontage to replace the old failing quay wall. The structure was constructed in front of the old wall which was left in place and used to provide part of the lateral restraint. The flood defence level had to be maintained throughout.

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The former oil refinery on the Isle of Grain has now closed down leaving a potential deepwater port site available, immediately adjacent to the existing container terminal. The brief was to examine possible uses for this 1,000 acre brownfield site which is on the River Medway close to its confluence with the Thames Estuary.

Beckett Rankine have provided the port and marine engineering input to this project. This has included preparation of a masterplan for the site and outline design. We are currently working with the client and development partners to obtain consents for the development.

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