Purpose

This report outlines the public benefit, and alignment to Council

priorities, for a new pedestrian and cycle bridge in the Royal

Victoria Docks (RVD) and seeks authority to make a contribution

towards the costs of the Bridge.

Decision

Decision:  

For the reasons set out in the report and its appendices Cabinet RESOLVED to Agree to:  

i)  Approve the capital budget allocation of £13.2m to the existing capital programme to be funded from borrowing.  

ii)  Agree to the Council requesting a report from the Subsidy Advice Unit (SAU) at the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) in respect of the Subsidy of Particular Interest (SoPI).

iii)  Approve in principle, subject to (i) and agreement from the CMA, the grant funding to the Silvertown Partnership (TSP) in respect of the Council’s contribution (up to £13.2m) towards the cost of the Royal Victoria Dock Bridge.

iv)  Delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Inclusive Economy, Housing and Culture, in consultation with the Lead Member for Inclusive Economy, Housing Delivery and Climate Emergency; and Transformation and Performance to take all necessary steps and to agree and enter into all relevant agreements to facilitate the recommendations contained within this report.

Alternatives Considered:

a)  Invest in renewal and maintenance of the existing bridge with RODMA. This option is not recommended as the existing bridge would not be able to cope with anticipated demand. The stairs and lifts needed to navigate the 14m level difference between dock side and bridge deck also make the crossing impossible for many users when the lifts are out of service, which is a frequent and long standing operational and maintenance issue. Considering the anticipated growth in the local population over the next decade (in Silvertown and surrounding developments), a new step free pedestrian and cyclist crossing over the dock is essential.

b)  Do nothing. The Council could choose not to contribute towards the costs of the bridge; however, this would not be recommended given the benefits outlined above. Not allocating funding towards the RVD bridge would also present the following risks:

· If the bridge does not proceed there will be a significant impact on connectivity for residents to the North and South of Victoria Dock.

· If the bridge is not delivered to the planning stipulations highlighted at 5.3, this will limit development of the Silvertown Quays site.

· Proposed economic benefits of wider regeneration may not be delivered.