ONE of Thurrock’s most prominent landmarks is to undergo a £250,000 restoration.

The cupola, the ornate dome which sits atop the 84-year-old London Cruise Terminal at the Port of Tilbury has been taken down so it can be renovated as part of a project being funded by the Port of Tilbury.

The dome’s steel and brickwork will be replaced with many of the materials being custom built. Much of the steel frame has corroded and the expansion of the metal over the years has been placing pressure on the brickwork.

Haydn Evans Consulting and J.W. Steele & Sons Ltd are carrying out the work which will last 14-weeks.

Jonathan Catton, Thurrock’s Heritage and Museum Officer said: “The cupola on top of the London Cruise Terminal is an extremely important piece of architectural history for Thurrock and the surrounding area.

“Many a historical event has taken place at the Terminal since its opening in 1930 by Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald and we are very grateful to the Port of Tilbury for investing such a great deal in restoring it.” 

Perry Glading, Chief Operating Officer for Forth Ports Limited, owners of the London Cruise Terminal said: “It is of utmost importance for us to maintain the structural integrity and aesthetic façade of the cupola, which has sat proudly on top of our baggage hall at the Cruise Terminal for many years. We believe that it is entirely worthwhile investing in such a distinctive landmark which truly shapes the skyline of the Thames.”

In its 84-year lifetime, the iconic Cruise Terminal has hosted George Orwell, the Queen and Cliff Richard. The first 500 Carribean immigrants to arrive in the UK on the Empire Windrush also passed through the terminal.

Thurrock Gazette:

The cupola being hoisted off its perch atop the cruise terminal