Purpose

This report updates Cabinet on the current position of the Hammersmith Bridge Restoration Project and asks Cabinet to confirm the strategic direction to be taken in restoring the bridge.

Decision

1. To note the Governments Spending Review settlement secured a £1bn Structures Fund to repair run down roads, bridges and other infrastructure across the country. This is the only funding option available at this time to repair Hammersmith Bridge and if a bid were successful, it would provide a phased repair approach focused on the most critical life-expired elements of the structure, with the immediate aim of keeping the bridge open and safeguarding access for pedestrians, cyclists and river traffic.

1. To endorse phased repair as the Council’s current strategic approach for Hammersmith Bridge, with the immediate objective of safeguarding continued access for pedestrians, cyclists and river traffic while minimising the Council’s future liabilities.

1. Cabinet approval is required before any actions are taken to pursue funding to achieve strengthening that would permit motor vehicles to use the bridge. Any consideration about strengthening must be taken based on an objective assessment of transport need including traffic flow information and build on the bridge’s active travel success.

1. To authorise the Executive Director of Place, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Climate Emergency and Travel, to approve the Bid for phased repair through the Structures Fund.

1. To delegate to the Executive Director of Place in consultation with the Cabinet Member to determine what, if any, local funding should form part of the bid.

1. To delegate to the Executive Director of Place in consultation with the Cabinet Member the completion of a procurement strategy to enable delivery of any successful bid to the Structures Fund.

1. To approve an annual revenue budget of £1.5m from 2026/27 to meet the Council’s ongoing statutory and safety obligations for monitoring, inspection and maintenance of Hammersmith Bridge as a substandard structure, unless and until external funding is secured that removes or materially reduces this requirement.

1. To note the continuing discussions with the DfT and TfL regarding recovery of contributions previously expected from those parties in respect of stabilisation and related bridge costs already incurred or committed by the Council, and to require a further report to Cabinet on the outcome of those discussions.