Nex—Architecture

Royal Wharf Pier on the Thames at dusk, the timber and steel balustrade of the promenade running out towards the floating walkway and pontoon beyond.

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A riverboat terminal and public promenade extending into the Thames, combining transport infrastructure with a place to sit above the water and stop for a while.

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“Nex listened carefully to our needs as the client, and also considered the needs of the thousands of people using the pier as well as addressing the technical and logistical challenge of building upon the River Thames. The result is a building that goes beyond infrastructure: while it acts as an elegant yet practical point of arrival and embarkation for Thames Clippers, the incorporation of a unique floating public space was an inspired move that cleverly addressed technical challenges, and lifts both the pier and its setting.”
John Mulryan, CEO Ballymore

Royal Wharf Pier at night seen from above, the lit floating walkway leading to the sheltered waiting area and pontoon, its folded roof reading dark against the Thames.

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Royal Wharf pier sits beside the Royal Wharf residential development in east London, extending 130m into the river to serve Thames Clippers’ river bus service. The brief called for a working terminal, but Nex also made a public space. Floating over the Thames, it is open throughout the year to visitors and the local community whether or not they are travelling.

A 40m promenade stretches out over the water, recalling the spirit of the traditional British seaside pier and framing long views up and down the river. At its heart, a viewing platform has integrated seating, giving people a reason to linger and enjoy the unobstructed views. The platform also separates the public promenade from the Thames Clippers terminal beyond. A 60m articulated link-span leads from the platform to the floating pontoon. Aluminium and timber balustrades continue from the promenade along the floating walkway, rising above handrail height to shelter passengers from the wind.

On the pontoon, the angular layout increases the space around a central sheltered waiting area, allowing boats to dock without obstructing passenger movement. Cut and folded walls conceal the supporting structure, while the sloping roofline frames views towards Canary Wharf, the City and the O2 Arena. A large glazed façade encloses the waiting area, with built-in seating inside made from Ekki wood that is warm to the touch.

Drawing on shipbuilding techniques, the pier uses dark-grey painted steel and marine-grade hardwood throughout. Lighting tucked into the ceilings, balustrades and timber seating keeps the promenade and waiting areas inviting after dark.