BRAC Contracts were appointed by BRIGGS Marine as Main Contractor to construct the new Woolwich Ferry Operations Terminal.
We have recently completed work at the famous and iconic Woolwich Ferry. The Woolwich Ferry has been operating as a ferry to cross the River Thames, connecting the South of Woolwich with the North, since the 14th Century. Originally intended for commercial use, in 1889 the bridge was made into a free service that is open to all. The ferry now operates on a daily basis, with boats scheduled every five to ten minutes.
Nowadays the ferry still attracts around two million passengers every year.
The Redevelopment Process
Originally the control centre had been operating out of portacabins, so it was time for a much-needed update. Our aim for the project was to improve the way in which the existing Operation centre operated ensuring a smoother running of the ferries, easing some of the congestion problems passengers has been experiencing.
We started work in April 2016 and reached completion in February 2017. We worked closely with Briggs Marine, who manage the ferry service and the architects Wood Hardwick on the design and technology integration. BRAC worked on the project from the design stage, throughout the construction and completed with a hand over back to Briggs Marine of the finished project.
The new Operations centre has been made from steel frame adjacent to the site of the original control centre, providing an excellent visual and communication position for BRIGGS to the Thames for all Ferry loadings and sailings.
We implemented state of the art technology, similar to that used for Airport Traffic control. The new control centre ensures an improvement in safety for all users of the service, it also enables an easier running of the ferries resulting in fewer delays and a better service for Londoners.
The future of the Woolwich Ferry
There has been a lot of uncertainty surrounding the Woolwich Ferry and it’s future, in 2014 TFL had announced that would be scrapping the service, which caused a public outcry in support for maintaining the crossing. The redevelopment of the control centre was part of a £50m project to renew the service, which included the replacement of the existing boats with brand new ones which will be coming into action in next couple of years. The restoration of the Woolwich Ferry will see this much loved and iconic boat service being extended into the 2020s and at BRAC we are honoured to have been a part of this redevelopment of London’s heritage.
“We had a tight programme for a technically challenging project and BRAC Contracts managed the project from start to finish meeting our deadlines and delivering an excellent end result. It was an enjoyable experience working with such professionals”.
Paul Holliday – Queensmead School
SPACE have contracted BRAC on a number of occasions, they are a pleasure to work with , highly professional, they care about the detail and offer a value for money service. The BRAC team have a positive, can-do attitude and find solutions to any challenge. We recommend them highly.
Anna Harding – Chief Executive SPACE
The quality of the works undertaken by BRAC for the new Woolwich Ferry Operations office has been most impressive, as has been the efforts by all the construction team to ensure an on schedule and on budget completion.
Mark Willbourn – Briggs Marine Contractors Ltd
BRAC Contracts Ltd
Unit 44
Berwick Court Farm
Alfriston Road
Berwick, Polegate
BN26 5QS
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