Is the pad atop Harrods still in situ? Given that concern is no longer under the reign of the one who was not in favour with the government at the time he attempted to use the pad could the idea be reinvoked? If not then the barge like Wall St. would be the easiest option and if it was found to be unsuccessful could be towed away, no harm done?

Blackfriars Barge was a popular helipad on the Thames until the Livingstones and NIMBYs killed it.

Chevvron:

This was Summertime-Reindeer's (aka Micahel Somerton-Rayner) barge (mentioned on the previous page) which was at the end of Barge House Street to the west of Blackfriars Bridge. A converted military landing craft support barge of some description and from where was based Michael's operations and Star Aviation.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-f...ge+Helipad.jpg
Summertime-Reindeer's converted landing barge at the end of Barge House Street (leading to Oxo Tower Wharf) opposite where HMS President would be moored (perhaps she still is). Taken on 13th February 1983 (Photo: Mike Lidgley)

Looks like a standard Thames lighter to me but then I'm no expert, and it does have military type markings on the side so maybe Major Somerton - Rayner acquired it through the old boys network!
The facilites in London are pathetic when you look at the number of heliports/helipads dotted around Manhattan, both on piers and on buildings.

Lol, of that you can be certain!

I was banging on about this earlier in the thread but, there just doesn't seem to be the impetus in the UK to do anything about it.

I believe that new business could be cultivated as a direct result of improving access to different parts of London (by helicopter) and would like to see 4 or 5 public-use helipads between Kew Bridge and the Thames Barrier with a return to a floating barge to serve the City. But, I am being told that pigs might fly first!

Boris may be open to suggestion......

Whatever happened to the rooftop heliport near Fleet Street- is it still used?

There was one on the roof top of the IPCC building.. Rupert Maxwell's old building; just north of Fleet Street on Shoe Lane.

It is now out of use, the buidlnig is empty and soon to be demolished.... I believe the last landing was in April last year.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-m...y+Lakin%29.jpg
AS355F1 G-RMGN atop 'Maxwell House' in 1987 (Photo: Gary Lakin)

Here G-RMGN seen atop the former 'Mirror Group Newpapers' office aka 'Maxwell House' at no. 8 New Fetter Lane.

Is he by any chance the cousin of Robert Murdoch? ;)

Opps.:\

Perhaps a long lost evil one...