The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, has confirmed work will start this summer on a cable car across the Thames helping to boost the on-going regeneration of east London.

This follows the appointment of a world-class consortium to build and operate the cable car with Mace as lead contractor.

The cable car will span the Thames, providing a low-emission, quick, direct and fully accessible link connecting the Greenwich Peninsula and the O2 with the Royal Victoria Docks and the ExCeL. It will provide a spectacular architectural addition to London and a much needed river crossing in this area, cutting travel times to five minutes. It will also boost the once-in-a-lifetime economic regeneration of east London, forming an essential new addition to a newly created Enterprise Zone. This supports the Mayor's vision to transform this area into a new metropolitan quarter boasting new businesses, tourist attractions, homes and job opportunities.

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Mace has a strong track record of delivering innovative projects including the London Eye, the company is currently constructing the Shard Tower in London and is involved in a consortium to deliver the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Stadium. Mace has been selected as lead contractor to build the cable car and operate it for three years. Mace will lead a consortium of experts, including the cable car specialists, Dopplemayr, and Watson Steel, URS Scott Wilson, Buro Happold and Aedas. The cable car has been designed to the highest standards by Wilkinson Eyre.

Work will start on the ground this summer on what is set to be the first urban system of its kind in the UK. Transport for London is striving to deliver the scheme before the London Olympic and Paralympic Games although this remains an extremely challenging timeline for a complex project.

Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: "Gliding serenely through the air across the Thames will provide a truly sublime, bird's eye view of our wonderful city. This innovative airborne travel link will be a vital component in the ongoing renaissance of a vibrant easterly quarter of the Capital, providing a much needed river crossing. I am thrilled we are full steam ahead to start work on this project following the confirmation of a world-class consortium to deliver this brand new icon."

(CD/GK)