28 January 2011 Last updated at 10:01 ET

Greenwich cruise liner terminal plans approved

Work is expected to take four to five years.

London is set to get its first cruise liner terminal after plans were approved by Greenwich Council.

Enderby Wharf will provide a docking for cruise liners and the Thames Clipper, along with a 251-room hotel and 770 new homes.

Work is due to start at the end of 2011, subject to approval from Greater London Authority, and expected to take four to five years.

But developers hope the terminal will be completed for the 2012 Olympics.

Enderby House, a Grade II-listed building, will be extended to provide tourist, community and retail facilities, as part of the plan.

James Blakey, planning director at West Properties, said Greenwich was chosen out of 11 possible sites across London.

"The area has a rich maritime history and Enderby House was referenced in Moby Dick.

"At the heart of the proposals is the provision of an international cruise liner terminal in the maritime heartland of Greenwich and London."