Issue - meetings

The Leader stated that this was a comprehensive report setting out several potential delivery models for the restoration of Hammersmith Bridge and funding options available to the Council, with a preference identified. Hammersmith Bridge would continue to require long term on-going monitoring and maintenance; therefore one of the proposals was to develop a toll or road charging scheme in order to finance the Council’s contribution to the restoration and future maintenance of the bridge. He added that Hammersmith Bridge was a unique, Grade 2* listed suspension structure.Reopening the bridge, would restore an iconic, nationally significant heritage asset located within the borough.

The Leader complimented Sharon Lea, the Strategic Director for the Environment, and her team, for putting forward several options. Once a more extensive survey was carried out the best option would be chosen.

Councillor Wesley Harcourt reiterated that the Council was very keen to reopen the bridge as soon as possible. Apart from being a national monument, this bridge was an essential link between the north and the south of the borough.

AGREED UNANIMOUSLY BY THE CABINET MEMBERS PRESENT:

1.     That Appendices 1 and 2 to this report are not for publication on the basis that they contain information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information) and information in respect of which a claim to legal professional privilege could be maintained in legal proceedings.as set out in paragraphs 3 and 5 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).

2.     That the Council further develops proposals for delivery model options as recommended in the report included at Appendix 2.

3.     That the Council continues to explore the possibility of the establishment of a charitable trust and the potential for its involvement in delivery of the Project alongside other entities and funding options.

4.     That the Cabinet agrees that the recommended preferred option for the Project (subject to additional work required in respect of recommendations 2 and 3) at this stage is a long-term contract with a private sector counterparty for the design, restoration, operation and maintenance of Hammersmith Bridge.

5.     That Cabinet agrees that a toll or road charging scheme should be developed in order to finance the Council’s contribution to the restoration and future maintenance and notes that the approval of the Secretary of State is required for a toll and the approval of the Mayor of London for a road charging scheme.

6.     That the Council enters into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with TfL and the Department for Transport

7.     That Cabinet delegates authority to the Strategic Director for the Environment in consultation with the Director of Finance to take all the necessary steps to pursue the options in 1-6.