The Thames Strategy – Kew to Chelsea (TSKC) was established in response to a lack of comprehensive guidance recognising the distinct characteristics of the individual stretches of the River Thames. It was also established to create links between various river users, adjacent communities on opposite banks of the river and river-related businesses and organisations.

TSKC was conceived in 1999 by a group of passionate and committed local people. It was the members of the West London River Group, in particular, who brought together the widest possible body of knowledge to establish a wide-ranging steering committee. The TSKC, along with the TSKC document was finally launched in 2002. This document outlined a policy framework to safeguard and protect the Thames from further exploitation and disjointed development. This strategy document has subsequently become an integral part of the Mayor’s London Plan and Blue Ribbon Network Policies (2004, 2008).