The firm which had a 15 year deal with BW to run passengers boats in East London has gone into administration leaving debts of £2.5 million. Speculation has been rife in the national media and elsewhere about the future of Water Chariots Ltd; the company set up to participate in an exclusive 15-year deal with the then British Waterways (BW) (now Canal & River Trust) to run passenger boats to the Olympic Park on the River Lee mainly from Limehouse Marina.
An “expected 26” or “at least 30” (quoted numbers vary?) 65ft x 12ft wide-beam steel boats, each carrying approximately 70 passengers, were built for Water Chariots by canal boatbuilders ColeCraft Engineering at a reported cost of £3 million. BW, the Thames Gateway Development Corporation and the Olympic Delivery Authority invested £300,000 in the project.
The 35-minute trip – which included a glass of champagne – ran from Limehouse Marina via Three Mills Island to Old Ford Lock; docking 70 metres from what was described as the company’s own exclusive gate into the Olympic Park.
Water Chariots’ staff have posted online that boats have been running half-empty because of the high fares and they also allege that they have not been paid. Fares were apparently slashed by half last month. Regardless of the pleasure of travelling by water to the Olympics there were more efficient way of getting there.
The company’s web site states that “Due to events beyond our control and until further notice, we regret to announce that Water Chariots will not take any further bookings to travel from Midnight Tuesday 4th September 2012”; and gives an e-mail address for enquiries.
In the original press release Water Chariots manager Peter Coleman said that the company were also planning for the legacy stage when they hope to convert some of the barges into hire boats to explore the canals and rivers.
The Water Chariots Olympic service still being advertised at Limehouse on Sunday 9 September despite booking ceasing five days earlier.
Information and image Courtesy of Harry Arnold, Waterways Images
