New transport facilities were required to support the Millennium Dome at Greenwich. River transportation was a high priority and a new four berth pier was constructed for passenger transport services to link to Central London. As the project was high profile, it was important that the design was both modern and stylish.

Beckett Rankine designed the 84 metre long linkspan bridge and floating pontoon. The 140 tonne bridge is of tied bowstring form and is supported on three bearings enabling free movement over the full range of tidal levels. The 400 tonne pontoon is formed from tubular sections to minimise the cost.

The designated site for the passenger landing pier was adjacent to the large disused coke export jetty that had been built in 1894. It was desirable to keep some part of the old jetty to avoid the need for driving new piles in an area safeguarded for a new tunnel under the River Thames.