Transport for London (TfL) has revealed that construction work is now underway on a new cable car link across the River Thames, which will link Greenwich with the Royal Docks.

Due for completion in summer 2012, the development aims to reduce journey times between the O2 Arena and the ExCeL venue and transform the area into a 'metropolitan quarter'. The start of work will see piles for the new passenger stations on both sides of the river put in place to support the buildings' foundations.

Mace is leading a consortium of firms on the Wilkinson Eyre-designed scheme, including cable car specialist Dopplemayr; Watson Steel; URS Scott Wilson; Buro Happold; and Aedas. London mayor Boris Johnson said: "This stunning new landmark will cut existing journey times, link two popular destinations and draw visitors from across the globe."

Image: Wilkinson Eyre Architects