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.