The Greater London Authority is set to offer its approval to plans for a new cruise terminal in Greenwich.

Greenwich Council has already endorsed the proposals for the Enderby Wharf development which will provide a docking for cruise liners and the Thames Clipper.

A 251-room hotel and 770 new homes will also be included, with construction likely to take five years.

Developers West Properties, however, hope the cruise terminal will be completed for the 2012 Olympics.

A statement added: “The site is well served for public transport with existing tube and bus connections, and the proposed Thames Clipper service run by River Bus.

Work on the cruise terminal could be completed in time for the 2012 London Olympics

The eight acre river front site is located close to Canary Wharf, historic Greenwich and the O2 Arena.

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.”