Streets and Walkways Sub-Committee. 3. Project Board Not recommended given the scale of the project.

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Byron Alvin Boone
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1 Committee(s): Date(s): Item no. Corporate Projects Board 13 June 2013 Projects Sub Committee 04 July 2013 Subject: Gateway 1 and 2 Report Riverside Walk - Fishmongers Wharf Access Improvements Report of: The Director of the Built Environment Overview Public For Decision 1. Spending Committee 2. Senior Responsible Officer Streets and Walkways Sub-Committee Victor Callister, Assistant Director, Environmental Enhancement 3. Project Board Not recommended given the scale of the project. 4. Context This is a Gateway 1 and 2 report. The Riverside Walk forms part of the Thames Path National Trail. The Riverside Walk Enhancement Strategy was adopted by Committees in 2005 and revised in 2008, and is currently being reviewed and updated. One of the key aims of the strategy is to create an accessible Riverside walkway with accessible connections to the rest of the City. The existing steps at Fishmongers Wharf, on the west side of London Bridge are the only inaccessible section of the walkway remaining, following the completion of several accessibility improvement projects as part of the strategy, including those at Blackfriars and Grants Quay. The Fishmongers Company are freeholders of this section of walkway and the City has a lease for rights of way over the walkway and steps. In the past, the Fishmongers Company have been reluctant to carry out any significant changes to the steps. However, recent discussions, facilitated by the Ward Deputy, have been very positive and the Company are now amenable to considering a ramp in this location. This scheme is proposed to become a high priority project of the Riverside Walk Enhancement Strategy. It is proposed to be externally funded by Section 106 contributions (that have been allocated to improvements to the Riverside Walk) and Transport for London. 5. Brief description of project The project involves making this section of the Riverside Walk accessible for wheelchair users. At present there are seven steps on the walkway in this location. Therefore, any ramp would need to be quite long (20+ metres) in order to create a comfortable slope (1:20). Fishmongers Hall is Grade II* listed and so any alterations adjacent to the Hall will need to be carefully designed to

2 ensure that the special character of the Hall is not impacted. Therefore, a high quality, sensitive design is essential in this location. Planning permission will be required, and the impact on the setting of Fishmongers Hall will be a material consideration. 6. Business case This is the only remaining inaccessible section of the Riverside Walkway in the City of London which forms part of the Thames Path National Trail. At present wheelchair users must divert away from the Riverside Walk via Swan Lane and Upper/Lower Thames Street in order to continue their journey along the Riverside Walk. This is a laborious and unpleasant diversion along one of the most polluted streets in the City and many users would be put off of using the walkway as a result. The creation of an accessible walkway in this location is supported by numerous City of London Policies and documents including the Core Strategy and the Riverside Walk Enhancement Strategy. If approved, it is recommended that this project becomes a high priority project of the Riverside Walk Enhancement Strategy. 7. Consequences if project not approved If not approved, this section of the Riverside Walk will remain inaccessible to wheelchair users and difficult to navigate for many others, including those with prams. 8. Success criteria Creation of an accessible Riverside Walk 9. Notable exclusions N/A Providing a more comfortable walking environment Developing a design solution that is in keeping with the setting of the Grade II* Listed Fishmongers Hall 10. Key options to be considered The options to be considered all include the installation of a ramp at the eastern end of Fishmongers Wharf, adjacent to London Bridge. A disabled access lift in this location has been ruled out as it will not provide a satisfactory solution in terms of functionality, design and maintenance. There are several design options for the ramp in relation to its width, length and configuration. This may include a combination of steps with a ramp alongside. Alterations to the river wall are likely to be required due to the level changes on the walkway. There are also a few modern lighting columns on the River wall in this location that are in a poor condition and could be upgraded as part of this project. Reviewing the City s lease of the walkway with the Fishmongers Company, to assess any changes that may be needed to install the ramp, will also be considered. Prioritisation 11. Link to Strategic Aims The project would help to deliver the City s Strategic Aim - To provide modern, efficient and high quality local services

3 12. Link to departmental business plan 13. Links to other existing strategies, programmes and/or projects 14. Within which category does this project fit? 15. What is the priority of the project? within the Square Mile for workers, residents and visitors with a view to delivering sustainable outcomes, through the provision of an accessible walking environment. Key Objective II: Enhance the City Streets and spaces to meet the needs of the business City, and the anticipated increase in cycling and footfall. This project is directly linked to the Riverside Walk Enhancement Strategy (2005) that is currently being reviewed and updated. Fully Reimbursable Advisable Financial Implications 16. Likely capital/ supplementary revenue cost range 17. Potential source(s) of funding 18. On-going revenue requirements and departmental local risk budget(s) affected The likely cost is 350K - 600K. High quality materials and finishes are required for this project given its proximity adjacent to the Grade II* listed Fishmongers Hall. The cost estimate is also inclusive of changes to the River wall and associated lighting improvements on the walkway. Construction access restrictions due to the riverside location and the cost of necessary licences and permissions have also been taken into account. Section 106 receipts from developments in the area, in particular remaining funds from the Watermark Place (Mondial House) Section 106 that is allocated to the improvement of the Riverside Walk, and Transport for London through the annual LIP allocation, subject to confirmation/ Members agreement. Likely to be revenue neutral Project Planning 19. Estimated programme and implications If approved, sketch design options would be developed in consultation with the Fishmongers Company over the next 4-6 months. Following agreement of options with the Company, a Gateway 3/4 report would be submitted in the winter. Implementation would be subject to securing a licence with the Fishmongers Company, planning permission and funding.

4 20. Potential risk implications Developing a suitable design solution that does not impact adversely on the special character of the listed building Ensuring that the design meets the requirements of the Fishmongers Company, in terms of size and not restricting access to their building Securing consents from the Fishmongers Company on acceptable terms Identifying suitable funding sources for the project Flood defence requirements impact on design and cost Developing a suitable design that meets Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) requirements 21. Anticipated stakeholders and consultees 22. Equality Impact Assessment The Fishmongers Company, local occupiers, land owners, the Port of London Authority (PLA), the Environment Agency, the Access Group and Local Ward Members This project has positive impacts for all users, particularly wheelchair users. A full EQIA will be carried out following approval of the Gateway 2 report. Recommended Course of Action 23. Next Steps Agree the use of Section 106 funds for this project with the developer of Watermark Place. Appoint architects and engineers to develop the designs in consultation with the Fishmongers Company. 24. Resource requirements to reach next Gateway 25. Funding source to reach next Gateway 26. Standard or Streamlined Approval Track 45,000 This comprises 25,000 fees and surveys, and 20,000 staff costs which equates to 200 hours of staff time. This will include project management, on-going consultations with the Fishmongers Company (including lease discussions), consultation with other local occupiers, the Environment Agency and the PLA as well as internal consultations with planning officers, engineers, the Comptroller and City Solicitor, the City Surveyor and the Access team. Watermark Place (Mondial House) Section106 obligation (remaining funds allocated for improvements to the Riverside Walk), subject to the agreement of the developer. Streamlined. Appendices Appendix 1 Plan of the existing steps and walkway Contact Report Author Melanie Charalambous Address Melanie.charalambous@cityoflondon.gov.uk Telephone Number

5 Appendix A - Plan of the existing steps and walkway

CONSTRUCTION TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT PLAN V11, 26/09/12

If the project you are constructing was subject to planning permission and a condition requiring a Construction Traffic Management Plan (CTMP) was applied to the planning consent, this condition will need