The site where Ian Monkford's abandoned hire car is discovered
is actually, believe it or not, of Grade II listed status. The
empty space contained two wharves, Paynes - built in 1860, and
Borthwick - built in 1934. Both buildings were mostly demolished in
2004 to make way for a new construction development of luxury
flats, entertainment space and retail premises. With the onset of
the recession in 2008, the development was put on hold, and as of
winter 2011 the site still remains as you see it onscreen on
Sherlock.
Paynes Wharf faced directly onto the Thames. All that remains of
it are the Grade II listed arches of its facade, retained for
incorporation into the long proposed but currently abandoned
construction works. The Wharf was a boiler workshop, supplying ship
parts for many vessels including HMS Warrior -
the first iron hulled warship in the Royal Navy.
Borthwick Wharf is on the southern side of the site, and backs
directly onto Borthwick Street. A former meat processing and cold
store, it was one of the last such facilities built in Deptford. It
is distinguished by a prominent mural of a bisected pig on the
upper storey, still visible today and onscreen - as you can see
above in shot four.
Both Paynes and Borthwick Wharves are closed to public access,
though you can see the exterior of Borthwick Wharf and the retained
arches of Paynes Wharf from the site access gate.
The easiest route to travel on the Docklands Light Railway [DLR
- access via Tower Hill on Circle and District Underground lines]
to Cutty Sark.
Exit the station and walk west along Creek Road [A200] for 0.7
of a mile until you see Watergate Street on your right. Head up
there and the exterior of Borthwick Wharf is visible at the end of
the street, with the site access gate further along Borthwick
Street to your right.
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