New Thames Vision masterplan for 2050

The Port of London Authority (PLA) has begun a major masterplanning exercise to realise growth opportunities along the Thames.

thoroughfare could also be built.

The areas occupied by the Red Funnel terminal, the Royal Pier and Mayflower Park will not be affected.

Thepersonbehindtheface

Kim Hollamby

How I got into this industry... our family were traditional baby boomer industry customers; Dad got the boating bug, the rest us followed with various degrees of initially guarded enthusiasm. Many adventures followed on a succession of sailing dinghies and yachts. Later, after three valuable but dead-ended steps towards a career, I grabbed the opportunity to combine a passion with work and join Motor Cruiser magazine and Canal & Riverboat at AE Morgan Publications, where my dad worked. He mentored me for 18 months and then encouraged me to say yes when headhunted to work on Motor Boats Monthly just as it was starting up. I was its editor three years later.

Best advice I’ve ever received...

I’ve lucky to have received lots of great advice over the years, but I’d pick that push from my dad to join Motor Boats Monthly. Having his son leave the company he worked for to join a competitor was brave on my dad’s part, but he didn’t hesitate to encourage me to take a chance that later established my future. a thing ’cause every little thing gonna be alright. My wife and I respite care children who have in some cases have already faced more challenges and traumas than we have over a much longer lifespan. much easier to describe what I don’t like, as my fender-like torso will attest. I’d say any nicely prepared dish with fresh ingredients that you can share with good company on the deck of a boat.

One thing the industry needs less of is... talking itself into a recession. Indications are pointing towards tough times ahead and you must get fit to survive a downturn. However, if you duck too early, you may not get see the invaluable opportunities that can make a difference when things get harder.

Most hated buzzword or workplace expression... ‘low hanging fruit’ – I understand the principle behind the saying but it hints at a lazy smash and grab approach that judges anything hard as valueless.

Don't worry about...

There’s always a solution somehow, often in the most unexpected ways.

Favourite meal...

One thing I couldn’t live without... my wife and family.

How I cope with stress...

Walking. Pacing out into a forest nearby our house is the perfect screen break.

Something about you that people might be surprised by...

I am the principal euphonium player in a local brass band. I got to Grade 8 distinction in my youth but work later got in the way. I picked the euphonium up again four years ago and music is another great stress reliever – until I play a solo. Turns out I’m not quite as fearless as I was in my teens.

Kim Hollamby is Partner at Hollamby Partnership

The aim of Thames Vision 2050 is to help grow watersports actvities, cargo and passenger activities on the river, while protecting the natural environment.

“The Vision sets out the high-level ambitions for the river,” explained James Trimmer, director of planning and development at the PLA. ”Once complete, it will equip us with a clear spatial articulation of the ambition set out in the vision, informing future planning and investment decisions.”

River development

The river is already home to the UK’s largest port and busiest inland waterway, a crucible for sporting talent and a unique natural habitat.

Thames Vision 2050 sets out future priorities for the river around three themesmaking the Thames into the UK’s number one net zero trading centre, providing a destination for people to live, visit and play and protecting the environment, including supporting the river’s diverse wildlife.

The masterplan will be developed with, and is expected to become a key tool for, partners and local authorities along the Thames.

It’s part of the Vision Action Plan, which has already seen the PLA committing to develop a new marine control centre at its main base in Gravesend, its largest single investment in more than ten years.

Masterplan development will be advanced at local level over the next 18 months with a river wide consultation taking place once it has been developed.