"The jetty, which is a hundred yards long and has resided in the Thames for almost 90 years was auctioned off for a single pound, although an annual £52,000 license fee will have to be paid to the Port of London Authority.
The Ahoy Centre, a charity that helps disabled and disadvantaged people into water based activities, were in talks with Fairview Homes, who own the site where the jetty is on, however they decided to sell it to the anonymous developer.
Clive Ongley, Chairman of the Centre’s trustees hoped that they could raise £7m towards the venture, and said he was ‘devastated’ after Fairview had retreated on their earlier talks. Ongley had said that plans were at an advanced stage, with negotiations begun on transferring their PLA licence so that the new residential moorings could cover the cost.
The future use of the jetty is still undecided however it is likely that the initial investment will be worth it as it could be capitalised on for when the Olympics come to London in 2012. James Cannon, of the auctioneers Cannon Capital who sold the jetty said: “It is well known that there will be a shortage of accommodation during the Olympics, so it could house temporary accommodation or be a birth for a floating hotel.”
Many thanks to East London Lines for this news...
www.eastlondonlines.co.uk/2010/12/charity-plans-washed-away-by-sale-of-jetty/
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