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An impressive new 50 million cable car system that will give tourists panoramic views over the River Thames in London is set to be ready in time for the Olympics, it has been revealed.
It was feared that the network would be not be finished in time for the start of the Games on July 27 but an application for final approval has been received by Transport Secretary Justine Greening.
Eye-catching feature: The 50 million cable car system will be the first of its kind in the UK
Security checks have been carried out in the past few weeks and it is understood that the Department for Transport will soon give the project the green light.
It means that spectators will be able to use the cable cars to travel between two of the Games venues - the 02 Arena on the south bank of the Thames and the ExCel exhibition centre in east London.
The Emirates-sponsored transport will be the first urban cable car system of its kind in the UK.
The gondolas, which will travel 160 feet above the river, are due to be an eye-catching feature, but are also seen as a vital cross-Thames link in east London and part of the drive to regenerate the local economy.
Vital link: Spectators will be able to use the cable cars to travel between two of the Olympic Games venues
There will be 34 gondolas carrying 2,500 passengers an hour across the river between Greenwich Peninsula and the Royal Docks in just five minutes.
It is not yet known how much a trip on the cable car will cost, but Transport for London has said travellers will be able to pay by Oyster, the pay-as-you go card which already functions on London buses, underground trains and the Docklands Light Railway.
Mayor Boris Johnson has refused to confirm whether the project will be open to the public during the Games, however he 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.'
Easing congestion: The 34 gondolas will be able to carry up to 2,500 people an hour across the river in each direction
The consortium to build and operate the cable car was led by Mace, whose past projects include the London Eye and the Shard Tower in London.
The cost of the cable car was originally estimated at around 25m and it was intended to be funded entirely by private investors.
But, despite a 10-year sponsorship deal with the Dubai-based airline Emirates worth 36m, public money was needed to make up the shortfall.
London now joins cities including Barcelona, Cologne, Hong Kong, Lisbon, New York and Singapore which all operate cable car systems.
London walking tours offer peek at Olympic Park - San Jose Mercury News
There's no access to the sprawling park itself, where they're working on the finishing touches before the games begin on July 27. Free bus tours that Olympic organizers had offered inside the park ended in May.
But you can still get a good glimpse of what awaits the world's athletes from walkways and perches outside.
And with a guide on a walking tour, you'll get a fuller understanding of how London snagged the games for the East End, how the gritty industrial area was razed and cleaned up, and what will become of the buildings and urban park after the medals are all doled out.
The walking tours run daily, cost 9 pounds ($13.90) for adults and last roughly two hours. Come prepared for a leisurely stroll and for a change in the weather.
On a gray, drizzling afternoon last month, I joined a group of about 20 on a tour led by the affable Andy Rashleigh, a guide for London Walks, which offers a variety of popular tours around the British capital. Reservations aren't required; just show up.
We met up outside the West Ham subway station, one of the three main routes that most spectators will use to reach the Olympic Park. After a brief introduction and instruction—"Usual rules: Don't get run over"—he led us to the Jubilee Greenway, a
spruced-up bike and walking trail that will funnel the crowds directly to the gates of the park.The elevated pathway built on top of sewage pipes from the 1860s offers glimpses into the neighborhoods below.
Of all the tours he leads, the Olympic walk is special to Rashleigh. His grandfather worked in the area's railyards, his father at the docks and he was born in 1949 in an East End heavily damaged by the bombings of World War II. He later taught school there.
"As long as I've know it, it's been one of the poorest areas of the country. It needed something," he said by telephone later. "There's a chance—we hope—that it will get a good injection of money and work" from the games.
As he ushers the group along, he makes sure we don't miss the chance to straddle two hemispheres—there's a sundial in the trail's pavement marking the Greenwich meridian line that separates the Eastern and Western hemispheres. Or the big stone blocks that he explains were made from the crushed restrooms of businesses that once sat on the Olympic site. We also make a stop alongside one of the tidied-up canals and locks that lace the area.
But the real treat along the route is the delightful Victorian Abbey Mills sewage pumping station that sits just off the pathway. Farther along, Rashleigh points out that the plans for the "Cathedral of Sewage" have been etched into the outside wall of the Olympic Park's own pumping station.
A few twists and turns later, we reach a vantage point overlooking the park. We have views of the Olympic Stadium, site of the opening and closing ceremonies, the Aquatics Center with its sloping roof, the landscaped grounds and bits and pieces of other venues across the 500-acre complex.
"What is that?" puzzled visitors often ask Rashleigh of a structure that looms over all. It's the twisted red steel sculpture called the Orbit which stands at 115 meters (377 feet). On top are two observation floors with panoramic views that will be open during the games.
Entrance to the park during the two weeks of competition will be restricted to ticket-holders. Tickets for the grounds only are being sold—10 pounds ($15.45) for adults—but they've been quickly snapped up, according to Eden Black, a spokesman for the Olympics organizers.
As the games get closer, routes for the walking tours have shifted as areas around the park are closed off.
"We're still able to get good views dodging and ducking," said Victoria Herriott, a spokeswoman for the Blue Badge Tourist Guide 2012 Committee, which also conducts walking tours.
A variety of people—Londoners and tourists—have turned up for the tours, which have grown increasingly popular as the games draw near, she said.
"Even athletes that are competing in the games have shown up on the walks," Herriott said.
In addition to the daily walks, her group is also offering other Olympic-themed tours, including a day-long tour to the Olympics sites in London for the 1908 and 1948 games. It's the only city to host the games three times.
Both groups are planning to continue the park tours long after the Olympics and the following Paralympics are over. The park itself won't be open for a while as temporary structures are removed and work continues transforming the site into an urban park. But Herriott expects interest to still be strong.
"They will have all watched it on telly" and want to see it, she said.
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If You Go:
LONDON WALKS: Daily tour at 2:15 p.m.; extra tours at 10:45 a.m. on weekends; check online for additional tours. Meet at West Ham Underground station; no reservations needed. No tours during the Olympics and Paralympics. Adults, 9 pounds ($13.90); students and seniors 65 and over, 7 pounds ($10.85); children under 15 with a parent, free. Cash payment to guide. http://www.walks.com
BLUE BADGE TOURS: Daily tours at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.; check online for additional tours. Meet at Bromley-by-Bow Underground station; online reservations recommended. Tours will be conducted during the Olympics and Paralympics. Adults, 9 pounds ($13.90); students with ID and seniors 65 and over, 7 pounds ($10.85); children under 16, 5 pounds ($7.75). Cash payment to guide. http://www.toursof2012sites.com/
Great News For Vauxhall In Britain - PRLog (free press release)
Vauxhall dealer group – Northern Motors – with branches located in Harrow, Ruislip and Watford are delighted with Vauxhall’s recent announcement that the next-generation Astra compact car will continue to be built at the manufacturing plant, Ellesmere Port, in Cheshire. In future, Ellesmere Port will be the lead plant of only two in Europe building the new model.
The decision follows the conclusion of a groundbreaking new labour agreement recently approved by the Vauxhall workforce. The agreement comes into force in 2013 and runs through the life of the next-generation Astra – into the early 2020’s. As part of the agreement, the plant will implement a number of creative operating solutions to improve flexibility, reduce fixed-costs and significantly improve its competitiveness. Ellesmere Port plant will become one of the most competitive plants in the Vauxhall/Opel manufacturing network.
In addition to creation of 700 plus jobs, Vauxhall will create investment locally via use of local suppliers and in the UK overall.
Vauxhall Chairman and Managing Director, Duncan Aldred, said: “This is great news for the Ellesmere Port plant, our employees, the local community, our suppliers, the Vauxhall brand and the UK. We have been able to develop a responsible labour agreement that secures the plant’s future.
With Ellesmere Port’s proven build quality and a new agreement that ensures excellent cost competitiveness, this facility will provide additional employment and, as the lead plant for the next-generation Astra, will be one of the cornerstones of our European manufacturing footprint.”
In 2007, Ellesmere Port became the first UK manufacturing plant to receive the Energy Efficiency Accreditation and in 2010 became the first European manufacturing plant to achieve the Wildlife Habitat Accreditation.
For further information, visit www.northernmotors.co.uk, www.facebook.com/
Andy White, Sales Manager at Northern Motors Watford, tel: 01923 813000
Derek Williams, Sales Manager at Northern Motors Harrow, tel: 0208 427 4444.
London 2012 Olympics Top 10 Olympic retreats - Daily Mirror
Lucky enough to have Olympics tickets but don’t fancy staying in the city?
These rural retreats are a quick train ride from the centre of the action...
1. Log House Holidays, Cirencester, Gloucs - 80 minutes (Kemble-Paddington)
It may be more than an hour from London but it’s worth going the distance. Log House Holidays offers six traditional Finnish wooden houses on a beautiful 120-acre lake in the heart of the Cotswolds. They sleep from four to eight people with kitchen/dining areas and open-plan living rooms with wood-burning stoves. But you will probably spend most of your time on the verandah lapping up the magnificent views and relaxing in your own private hot tub, or taking a quick turn round the lake in the house’s own rowing boat.
Book it: Four nights from £800 - available on selected dates from July 29 to August 12.
2. Looking Glass Cottage, Brighton, East Sussex - 50 mins by train (Brighton-Victoria)
Tucked down a quiet lane in Brighton’s South Lanes shopping district, this 16th century cottage is said to be the oldest house in the city. It has serious wow-factor... it’s like walking on to the set of a glam Alice in Wonderland-themed photo shoot, from the playing card wallpaper to the mirrored ceilings. It sleeps up to eight in three double bedrooms plus the leather sofa bed in the lounge.
Book it: Three-night weekend break from £860 on selected dates from July 27 to August 16.
3. Little Paddock near Maldon, Essex - 50 minutes (South Woodham Ferrers-Liverpool Street, change at Shenfield)
This beautiful cottage is set between two rivers in the sleepy village of Purleigh, in the heart of a stunning but little-known part of the Essex countryside. Sleeping up to eight, it is spacious but homely, with vaulted ceilings, walls adorned with artwork and a woodburner in the sitting room, which has double French windows leading on to the garden. The surrounding countryside is ideal for walking, cycling or birdwatching. There is also a vineyard within walking distance which offers wine-tasting – perfect for toasting the medal-winners.
Book it: Four nights from £872 through cottages4you (ref: 26631) - available from July 27 to August 2.
4. Olney Cottage, Olney, Bucks - 50 minutes (Bedford-St Pancras Int)
Bed down in this refurbished stone cottage, perched at the end of the high street in a stylish market town bustling with boutiques, delis, cafés and the market square. The cottage sleeps up to four (one double, one twin), and has a sitting/dining room filled with bright colours and stylish furnishings. It also has a private enclosed garden. After a hard day cheering on the athletes treat yourself to dinner at one of Olney’s many inns and restaurants.
Book it: Seven nights from £692 through Hoseasons (Ref: E4773) - available July 27 and August 10.
5. Eastwell Mews Cottages, Ashford, Kent - 40 minutes (Ashford-St Pancras Int)
The Eastwell Manor Hotel is set on a 3,000 acre estate in Kent’s North Downs. The manor house rooms are stunning but the mews cottages, converted from a former stable block, are perfect for an affordable summer weekend away. With one, two or three bedrooms, they each have a kitchen and living area. Guests can use the manor facilities, including its spa, golf course and tennis court – perfect if you are inspired by the Olympic action.
Book it: Two-night weekend break in a one-bedroom cottage from £360 including breakfast - available on selected dates from July 27 to August 19.
6. Church Farm Oast South, Horsmonden, Kent - One hour (Staplehurst-Charing Cross)
Looking for something a bit different? Check out this newly-converted Grade II-listed oast house with Freedom Holiday Homes. Bright and spacious, it sleeps up to six and has a sitting room in the roundel of the oast (where the hops were dried). There is original art on the walls, antique armchairs and a record player. It also has a kitchen/dining room, but if you’re lucky with the weather dine al fresco on the wraparound balcony, which has magnificent views across rolling farmland.
Book it: Seven nights from £782 - available from July 20 to August 17.
7. Ghyll Cottage, Rusper, West Sussex - 55 minutes (Horsham-Victoria/London Bridge)
Ghyll Cottage is a recently-refurbished 17th century cottage opposite the church in the pretty village of Rusper. Set across two floors, it sleeps up to six with two bedrooms (one double, one twin, plus a sofa bed), as well as a galley-style kitchen, cosy lounge and dining area, all featuring original exposed beams and elegant furnishings. You also have the use of a secluded private garden and tennis courts, set in Ghyll Manor Country House Hotel’s 40 acres of landscaped gardens.
Book it: Four nights from £678 - available from August 5 to 10.
8. The Granary, Blackham, East Sussex - 50 minutes (Ashurst-London Bridge)
Perched on the edge of the Kent and East Sussex borders, with gorgeous views across open countryside, this stylishly-converted granary couldn’t feel further away from the hustle and bustle of London. It sleeps up to four and has a beamed living room with a wood-burning stove and flagstone floor, as well as a dining room – just the spot for a post-Olympics feast. There’s a pub and restaurant half a mile away, too. The next morning, get your boots on for a walk through the surrounding countryside (look out for deer – they like to roam this spot in summer).
Book it: Seven nights from £757 through Cottages4you - available August 4.
9. Westley Mill Barn, Windsor, Berks - 55 minutes (Windsor-Waterloo)
Fancy staying in your own converted barn, set in 11 acres of private grounds? Westley Mill Barn lets you do just that. Sleeping two, it has a galleried feel, with the bedroom overlooking the lounge through a glass balustrade. If you’re feeling athletic, try one of the many walking routes in the area.
Book it: Two nights from £300 through Holiday Lettings (ref: 225856) - available August 6 to 19.
10. Cooters, Petersfield, Hants - One hour (Petersfield-Waterloo)
Perfect for couples looking to combine watching the Olympics with some summer rambling, this cabin-style cottage is set in the grounds of Down Park Farm in the heart of the South Downs. The cottage has been lovingly converted from stables and features an en-suite bedroom plus an open-plan living area with a well-equipped kitchen. Outside there is a seating area overlooking a delightful woodland... perfect for kicking back with a G&T after a long day in the capital.
Book it: Seven nights from £375 through Holiday Lettings (ref: 155683) - available from July 27 to August 19.
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