RotherhitheRotherhithe to to Canary Canary Wharf Wharf crossing crossing ConsultationConsultation Report Report MarchMarch 2018 2018 Contents 1. About the proposals ............................................................................................ 5 2. About the consultation ...................................................................................... 10 3. About the respondents ...................................................................................... 16 4. Summary of all consultation responses ............................................................ 25 5. Next steps ......................................................................................................... 74 Appendix A: Detailed analysis of comments ............................................................. 75 Appendix B: Questions that we asked about our proposals .................................... 112 Appendix C: Consultation Postcard ......................................................................... 119 Appendix D Copy of Factsheets .............................................................................. 121 Appendix E Stakeholder List ................................................................................... 137 Appendix F Press and online advertising ................................................................ 141 Appendix G Campaigns and Petitions ..................................................................... 146 2 Executive summary This document explains the processes, responses and outcomes of the consultation on the Rotherhithe to Canary Wharf crossing proposal. Between 8 November 2017 and 8 January 2018, we consulted on proposals for a new River Thames crossing between Rotherhithe and Canary Wharf for pedestrians and cyclists. We received 6,094 responses to the public consultation, of which 93 per cent strongly supported or supported our proposal for a new crossing between Rotherhithe and Canary Wharf. Our preferred option of a navigable bridge was supported by 85 per cent. The Northern Alignment had the strongest support with 79 per cent for this location for the bridge, with many stating this was due to the convenience and anticipated demand being greater at this location. 55 per cent of respondents supported the Central alignment and 29 per cent the Southern alignment. We also received 47 responses from stakeholders. Summaries of stakeholder responses are summarised in Section 4.8. Summary of issues raised during consultation The main themes are highlighted below, with detailed analysis in Section 4. Many people who responded to the consultation stated that the crossing would benefit cyclists and pedestrians, was long overdue and would improve convenience and connectivity for those living, working or travelling to the area. It was mentioned that the crossing would alleviate congestion on existing routes, and have a positive environmental impact, as it would provide a greener travel option. Whilst the majority of respondents supported a bridge, some questioned whether the bridge was the best option, asking whether a ferry or tunnel would better serve the needs of those living, working or travelling through the area. Some were of the opinion that a crossing was not needed in this location, while others mentioned the needs of car users, suggesting that a new river crossing should accommodate vehicles in order to relieve road congestion. While many were excited about the prospect of an iconic bridge, some also raised concern over whether the bridge would have a negative visual impact. Others were concerned over the cost of the bridge. There was a spread of support for both the high and low bridge, and many people cited no preference. However, the higher bridge was slightly preferred, in recognition that the bridge must accommodate the needs of a range of users. Many recognised that a higher bridge needs longer ramps, or more stairs, making accessing it less 3 convenient for pedestrians and cyclists, but that a lower bridge would result in more openings, which would cause more frequent disruptions for all. On balance, people stated that a lower bridge would be more aesthetically pleasing. For cyclists, the ramp was preferred as a means of access and many respondents mentioned the need to segregate cyclists and pedestrians on the bridge. Next steps We are now reviewing comments made during the consultation. We will publish our response to issues raised document during the summer. We will also update as to any changes to the proposals when we publish our response to issues raised. 4 1. About the proposals 1.1 Introduction We are investigating the feasibility of providing a new walking and cycling crossing of the River Thames between Rotherhithe and Canary Wharf. This project is one of a number of potential new river crossings for London which are intended to improve cross-river connectivity. These proposed crossings would consist of new public transport, vehicle, pedestrian and cycle links. It is forecast that there will be growth in cycling across London, employment growth in Canary Wharf and population growth, particularly in the Canada Water area due to new residential and mixed use development. This will generate an increase in journeys including a greater demand for walking and cycling facilities in the area. At present there is a lack of infrastructure to accommodate cyclists and pedestrians wishing to cross the River Thames east of Tower Bridge to access Canary Wharf. The Jubilee line is also currently operating close to capacity during peak times. A new river crossing would contribute towards accommodating the growth in Canada Water and Canary Wharf. Both Canary Wharf and Canada Water have been identified as Opportunity Areas in the London Plan which between them are expected to accommodate over 36,000 new homes and 112,000 new jobs. Given the scale and proposed growth in these two Opportunity Areas, a preferred crossing corridor was identified between Rotherhithe to Canary Wharf and our recommendation was for a ‘navigable Bridge’ for pedestrian and cyclists. Other options were investigated including a tunnel, cable car and an enhanced ferry. The key objectives of the Rotherhithe to Canary Wharf river crossing are: • To connect the two Opportunity Areas of Canada Water and the Isle of Dogs; • To improve connectivity from the Rotherhithe peninsula, particularly the area beyond the walking catchment of Canada Water station; • To encourage more people to walk and cycle in the area; • To provide additional capacity and routes for cyclists as an alternative option to existing crossings in the area; • To produce a well designed and convenient link which achieves value for money and is fundable; and 5 • To provide an alternative link to the Jubilee line between Canada Water and Canary Wharf. A new crossing between Rotherhithe to Canary Wharf has been promoted by a wide number of stakeholders for over a decade and the Mayor included a commitment to the crossing in his manifesto. Following the Mayor’s appointment, TfL commenced work to consider the feasibility and value of different crossing options. The crossing features in ‘A City for All Londoners’, ‘Healthy Streets for London’ and both the draft and final ‘Mayor’s Transport Strategy’ and the draft London Plan. 1.2 Purpose We wanted to establish public and stakeholder views on proposals for a new crossing over the River Thames for pedestrians and cyclists from Rotherhithe to Canary Wharf. We have been working closely with the London Boroughs of Tower Hamlets and Southwark to explore options for a new crossing between Rotherhithe and Canary Wharf. Following our Options Assessment we consulted on the recommended option of a navigable bridge. We asked consultees for their views on: 1. Whether they support the proposed river crossing from Rotherhithe to Canary Wharf 2. Our preferred option of a bridge 3. Possible alignments and landing points 4. The height of the bridge This consultation report summarises the findings of a public consultation on proposals for a new river crossing between Rotherhithe and Canary Wharf for pedestrians and cyclists. 1.3 Detailed description of potential bridge options While our recommendation is a navigable bridge, it is important to note that no final decisions have yet been made and we wanted views on this to help finalise this decision. 6 A navigable bridge is a complex and unique proposal. We have therefore begun investigating this option in greater detail to better understand a number of factors, such as the location, design, land requirements, cost and the need for it to open for larger vessels. To assist this investigation, we sought views on different aspects of a navigable bridge as part of this consultation, including the location, height and other considerations. We consulted on our three preferred bridge location options which are: Option 1: Northern Alignment A bridge along the Northern Alignment could land in a new public space around the Hilton Hotel in Nelson Dock on the south side of the river and connect directly with Westferry Circus and the Thames Path on the north side. Pros: • The Nelson Dock landing site may allow for a more direct route through Pearson’s Park to Salter Road and the National Cycle Network • The higher ground level at Westferry Circus allows for potentially shorter ramped access to a bridge • Westferry Circus provides a suitable area for a bridge landing with adjacent commercial activity and good access to the wider transport network Cons: • Impacts on private