Skip to main content
Mayor of London logo London Assembly logo
Home

The Case for a River Thames Cultural Vision

A view of the Shard, London

Key information

Publication type: General

Publication date:

Over the centuries, The Thames has driven our growth and development as well as shaped our identity as a city. Today it hosts internationally-renowned festivals and major art commissions, but it's clear there is more we can do to make the most of this destination. ‎This report sets out an ambitious vision, a road map for partners and the public to join forces and put the river at the heart of our cultural life.



Justine Simons OBE, Deputy Mayor for Culture and Creative Industries

The Thames is the reason London exists

Last year the Greater London Authority and the Port of London Authority jointly commissioned the consultancy Publica, in collaboration with BOP Consulting, to undertake a study to make the case for a bold, ambitious cultural vision for the River Thames. The research, fieldwork, engagement workshops, and conversations to inform this report showed that despite its international profile, the River Thames is far from reaching its full potential.

The development of a cultural vision for the River Thames offers unmatched opportunities to deliver on many of the Mayor's priorities for Londoners - including broadening access to culture, delivering Good Growth along the Thames' banks, transforming London into a 24-hour city, encouraging journeys along the Thames, promoting access to nature and increasing Londoners' awareness of heritage on the river. A cultural vision for the River Thames would also support the Port of London Authority’s wider Thames Vision goals and priority actions.

Read the Case for a River Thames Cultural Vision to explore the ten key opportunities established through the research and engagement process.

This is the first step in the realisation of an ambitious, joined up and pragmatic cultural vision, and we look forward to working with you to better connect London with its river.

Back to table of contents

Related documents

The Case for a River Thames Cultural Vision