The Transport and Place Scrutiny Panel met on Tuesday 03 February 2026 to discuss the council's Jetties, Piers, Wharves and Dry Docks, and its Highways Infrastructure and Assets. The panel noted updates on both these key areas and made recommendations regarding the prioritisation of refurbishment over demolition in estate regeneration.

Jetties, Piers, Wharves and Dry Docks

The panel received an update on the council's Jetties, Piers, Wharves and Dry Docks, outlining their current condition, usage, and strategic importance. The report detailed numerous such structures along the borough's 14-kilometre riverside, ranging from operational wharves safeguarding freight movement to disused historic assets. The discussion highlighted the role these structures play in supporting regeneration, river transport, low-carbon freight, and leisure activities. Key areas of focus included the integration of these assets into future riverside developments, the protection of maritime heritage, and opportunities for new investment and community access.

The report also detailed the current state of river transport links, including existing piers and ferry services, and explored potential future expansions. Three crossing options – Isle of Dogs to North Greenwich, Royal Docks to Charlton, and Barking Riverside to Thamesmead – were shortlisted for further investigation, with a focus on supporting communities, enabling growth, addressing network gaps, and reducing carbon emissions. The panel was informed about the necessary environmental impact and flood risk assessments required for any new river crossings, as well as the need for Port of London Authority consent. Funding for such projects is expected to be multifaceted, drawing from central government, the GLA, TfL, local government, land value capture, and commercial sources.

Highways Infrastructure and Assets

The panel reviewed the council's Highways Infrastructure and Assets, focusing on the condition and performance of roads, footways, bridges, and street lighting. The Highways Infrastructure Asset Management Plan (HIAMP) was discussed, outlining the council's strategic priorities for managing its highway assets in line with the Our Greenwich vision and Transport Strategy. Significant progress has been made in developing and implementing the HIAMP, including the establishment of an Asset Management Board, investment planning for carriageways and footways, and the introduction of a risk-based gully cleansing regime.

The report highlighted a shift towards a more preventative maintenance approach, with a projected increase in preventative spend from 30% to 66% between 2021/22 and 2025/26. This strategy aims to extend the life of road surfaces, reduce the need for costly reactive repairs, and improve overall network performance. The council has successfully resurfaced 21 roads in 2025, with additional funding significantly increasing the budget for pothole repairs and road resurfacing. Measures to improve safety and accessibility were also detailed, including new pedestrian crossings, upgraded footpaths, and dropped kerbs. The council's commitment to sustainability and climate goals was evident in plans for a Street Design Guide and a Highway Net Zero Strategy, focusing on low-carbon construction methods, greener materials, and sustainable drainage systems. The report also touched upon financial planning, including securing loan funding for LED street light upgrades and bids for further funding to support highway maintenance.

Estate Regeneration

The panel received an update on the council's approach to estate regeneration, which has been revised to address significant housing pressures. The new approach prioritises safe and secure homes, positive development outcomes, and resident involvement. A key development is the Estate Regeneration Engagement Framework, which commits the council to early, open, and continuous dialogue with residents, incorporating co-design principles and independent advice. The panel discussed the proposed Strategic Outline Business Case framework for assessing regeneration opportunities.

During the discussion, concerns were raised about overheating in new and refurbished homes, the inclusion of vulnerable residents in engagement processes, and current viability and funding constraints. The environmental impact of demolition, particularly embodied carbon, was also a point of discussion, with a strong preference expressed for refurbishment and remodelling where feasible. The importance of protecting and increasing social rented homes through regeneration was emphasised. The panel resolved to recommend that estate regeneration should prioritise refurbishment and remodelling over demolition, and that regeneration should not be an all-or-nothing approach across entire estates. They also requested that officers consider how progress on estate regeneration could be more clearly tracked and reported in the future.