VolkerStevin helps Ferry reopen its doors at new home on the River Thames
An historic fixture on the River Thames has opened its doors to the public after being moved more than 100m upstream to make way for construction on London’s new ‘super sewer’. Paddle steamer Tattershall Castle reopened at the end of May after she was moved from her old home in April, allowing Tideway to start work on building a tunnel to help clean up the River Thames.
Pawel Czajkowski, boat relocations project manager for Tideway, said: “We are delighted this iconic Thames landmark can continue serving the public while we carry on with our vital work to clean up the River Thames nearby.
“Our vision is to reconnect London with the river, and it was very important to us that the Tattershall Castle could stay open as usual and keep allowing visitors to enjoy the River Thames.”
Tideway worked with contractor VolkerStevin to move the ship.
As well as relocating the Tattershall Castle, further down the river VolkerStevin has also worked with Tideway on building a new lift and stairs at Blackfriars Station and relocating the Millennium Pier, allowing river users continued access to the Thames during construction.
Terry O’Connor, operations director of VolkerStevin commented: “We have given special consideration to minimise noise and traffic by delivering piling works during agreed hours, utilising noise shrouds and vibration monitoring equipment and making deliveries by river at periods of low vessel traffic.
“Large pontoon components have been fabricated in Holland and stored at the yard several miles downriver, and were brought to site overnight to minimise disruption.’’
A Tattershall Castle spokesperson said: “We have also taken the opportunity to give the Tattershall Castle a fresh new look as part of her relocation and we’re welcoming guests back on board to sample our diverse offer in our six flexible trading areas of the boat.”
The floating pub and restaurant, moored at Victoria Embankment, was built in 1934 as a passenger ferry on the River Humber and was also used during the Second World War.
PS Tattershall Castle was first opened on the Thames as a floating art gallery, before opening in 1982 as a restaurant.