The new cable car across the River Thames represents one

of the most exciting additions to Londons infrastructure in

recent years, and is the frst urban cable car system in the UK.
The new crossing provides a valuable and much needed link
between the two major landmark venues of the O2 Arena and
Excel Exhibition and Conference Centre. Both venues, sited
either side of the river, have been the principal catalysts to
the major regeneration and transformation of their respective
localities. This new physical link provides a direct connection
as well as a dramatic and memorable experience for residents
and visitors, and supports the Mayors vision to transform this
area into a bustling metropolitan quarter with new businesses,
homes and job opportunities.
The scheme comprises a number of distinct elements, the
design of which has offered the opportunity to create a highly
recognisable piece of infrastructure. The cable car should be
seen as an asset to the area on which it lands on either side
of the river, both in functional and in visual terms.
While the sculpted forms of the towers rising high above the
Thames have the potential to become the iconic feature of
the scheme, the stations at either end perform an important
function as the gateways denoting the beginning and end
of what will be a memorable journey. The architecture of the
stations relates to that of other elements on the system.
The design was completed and submitted for planning
approval within an extremely tight timescale, and planning
permission was granted by all three relevant London
boroughs in February 2011, and was completed in June 2012.
Details
Location: London, UK
Client: Transport for London
Architect: Wilkinson Eyre Architects
Engineer: Expedition
Span: 1.1km
Completed: June 2012
Awards
New London Award 2013, Transport and Infrastructure
Structural Steel Design Award 2013
RIBAAwards 2013, Shortlisted
ICE Evening Standard Peoples Choice Award 2013
Civic Trust Award, Commendation, 2013
New London Award 2011
Emirates Air Line
London Cable Car