Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Decision approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: September 16, 2025

Purpose: In June 2024 a report relating to investment in the Royal Victoria Docks Bridge was presented to Cabinet. The decision made at Cabinet was subsequently called in by the Overview & Scrutiny Committee.   This report makes updated recommendations to Cabinet relating to investment in the Bridge. It will follow a separate paper at the same Cabinet meeting which will provide the Executives Response to Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

Content: For the reasons set out in this report and its appendices, Cabinet RESOLVED to Agree to:   i)  Approve the allocation of up to £6.9m towards the Royal Victoria Docks Bridge. The amount will be allocated from Section 106 funding obtained in the Deed of Planning Obligation for the Royal Wharf site. (Planning reference 15/00577/VAR);   ii)  Approve the transfer of funding to the Silvertown Partnership (TSP) in respect of the Council’s contribution (up to £6.9m) towards the cost of the Royal Victoria Dock Bridge, subject to:     a)  A full funding package being in place to deliver the Bridge. b)  A resolution at Strategic Development Committee on the Silvertown Quays Hybrid Application c)  Any necessary approvals from the Competition and Markets Authority (see Legal Implications) d)  A funding agreement being agreed with TSP, containing the necessary clauses to protect the Council’s investment   iii)  Delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Inclusive Economy, Housing and Culture, in consultation with the Lead Member for Inclusive Economy, Strategic Housing Delivery and Culture, to take all necessary steps and to agree and enter into all relevant agreements to facilitate the recommendations contained within this report.    Alternatives considered:   1)  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.   2)  Invest the Royal Wharf s106 funding of £6.9m in alternative projects that improve connectivity in the area. Alternative spends within the Community Wealth Building Directorate were assessed as part of this process and are there currently no other projects identified within the directorate’s capital strategy that would fit the criteria of this funding. The application of this funding towards the Royal Victoria Dock Bridge has been discussed with corporate leadership and accords with the Council’s requirements in the deed as set out in Appendix 3.     3)  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. ·  TSP may seek to build a smaller bridge that would not allow for anticipated demand from users outside of the Silvertown Quays development. TSP would be required to return to the planning authority for any alternative bridge scheme. ·  The proposed economic benefits of wider regeneration may not be delivered or be significantly delayed, impacting on wider investment from public and private stakeholders.