News

Dear Residents

Street Food Market – update

In April RoDMA explained the reasons why a street food market was permitted to operate on the corniche.  As you are aware the market generated several complaints and the market was closed for a period until these concerns could be addressed.

Since the closure of the market RoDMA has received a significant number of emails plus a petition in support of the market. Local businesses have also informed RoDMA of their concerns if the market were to return.

As previously stated, our only intent when permitting the market to trade was to help local businesses and offer increased food diversity to the local population.

While the market has been closed RoDMA has been in communication with the market organiser Streetfoodmarkets Ltd (SFM) and has discussed both residents and businesses’ concerns. RoDMA requested that SFM develop a working plan of actions and solutions that would address these concerns.

RoDMA feel that SFM now have a full understanding of the issues trading on the corniche brings and they have devised a plan that is detailed and well organised.

RoDMA also said that we would arrange for a CCTV camera to be installed on the area and we are pleased to inform you that this is now in operation.

Therefore, RoDMA have decided to allow the street food market to return to the corniche for an initial 4-week trial period.

The trial period will commence on Wednesday 2 June 2021 with trading days being Wednesday – Sunday between the hours of 10am – 8pm.

During this period RoDMA will monitor the market closely.  Any complaints/messages of support will be communicated to SFM to address, within a timely manner.

After this period RoDMA will meet with SFM to de-brief and discuss the trial.

Please note that any licence permitted to SFM will be short-term.  RoDMA may permit alternative events to take place on the Corniche.

RoDMA acknowledge that this past year has been extremely difficult for everyone. Life is starting to unlock, albeit cautiously, if we can all work together and support one another the Royal Docks can become a vibrant and exciting area for all to enjoy.

Royal Docks Management Authority (RoDMA)

In July 2020 we reported the history and the on-going challenges that RoDMA have encountered maintaining the RVD Footbridge. If you are a regular user of the RVD Footbridge you will be aware that the lifts have not been in operation for some time now.

The current issue is that several parts require replacing that operate the door mechanism. Unfortunately, because of the age of the equipment some parts are not readily available, a consequence being that these parts have to be made to order, which incurs a lead time.

It is planned to have everything installed, commissioned, and the lifts fully operational by the end of June 2021.

We apologise for the continuing inconvenience this causes the people who live and work around the area, everything is being done to ensure the lifts become operational as soon as possible.

Dear Residents

In June 2020 RoDMA were approached by Streetfood Markets for permission to operate a small street food market on the Corniche area.  The events and hospitality sectors had been severely affected during the pandemic and RoDMA were happy to support them.  RoDMA’s only intent was to help local businesses and offer increased food diversity to the local population.  RoDMA permitted Streetfood Markets to operate a small food market initially on a two-week licence for a nominal fee to simply cover staffing costs.  A success was reported and a request for an extension was received.  Licences have since been granted to Streetfood Markets, at their request and for short term periods only.  At no stage has a request been submitted to allow the market to trade on the area permanently.

Unfortunately, since opening the market RoDMA has received complaints detailing excess waste, anti-social behaviour and excessive noise.  These are just a few examples.  With the majority of the complaints being associated with the start of the market.  The frequency of the complaints increased mainly during warm or windy weather.  RoDMA raised these concerns with Streetfood Markets to assist them and allow them to be addressed.  Currently there is no CCTV camera covering the Corniche which has made it difficult to determine where the issues are originating from and so making it harder to resolve.

The situation became untenable in February 2021 when RoDMA received a number of complaints and images of the area over a two-week period. RoDMA initially limited the market trading hours but this did not have the desired effect.  RoDMA revoked Streetfood Markets Licence on 28 February 2021 and a four-week review period commenced.

During this review period:

• RoDMA have arranged for a CCTV camera to be installed in the area, installation time scale, approximately 4-5 weeks.
• RoDMA received a significant number of emails in support of the market and acknowledged a petition in support of the market (RoDMA were only made aware of the support for the market, once it had closed)
• No complaints were received during this time regarding the Corniche area.
• RoDMA received less reports of excess rubbish.

RoDMA are taking into account local residents and businesses’ concerns and comments.  A decision has yet to be reached as to whether the market can re-open, although it has been agreed that the market should only operate once the CCTV is in operation.  RoDMA have been and will continue to be in discussions with Streetfood Markets to seek a workable solution.

RoDMA acknowledge that this past year has been extremely difficult for both individuals and businesses’ but hopefully we can start to look positively to the future.

Royal Docks Management Authority (RoDMA)

The Royal Docks Team  has announced their call out for Expressions of Interests for an ambitious live performance commission for Autumn 2021!  They are looking for innovative ideas for a new commission that responds to the people and place of the Royal Docks, actively involves young people and can deliver on their objectives.

Up to three Expressions of Interest will be shortlisted to develop a funded proposal during a 6 – week research and development stage in February/March 2021 (£5,000 per organisation). One proposal will finally be commissioned for delivery in Autumn 2021, with a budget of up to £200,000 to cover all costs associated with the project.

For further details and to apply:

https://royaldocks.london/opportunity/expressions-of-interest-open-for-royal-docks-autumn21-creative-commission

Deadline for Expression of Interest stage:  10 February 2021

If you have any questions, or have any access requirements, please contact: Royaldocksevents@london.gov.uk

A filming event is taking place on the Royal Victoria Footbridge 12th January 2021 between the hours of 07:00 – 19:00. The bridge will be closed to the general public for the duration of the filming. Should you have any concerns or queries, please contact the Newham Film Office on their 24-hour monitored number, 0207 2471244.

Following the latest Government announcements, the UK will come out of lockdown and the London Borough of Newham will go into Tier 2 restrictions from 2 December 2020.  Under the guidance for Tier 2, the Marina will now be open to all boatowners.  Contractors of boatowners will also be permitted access to carry out work on boats as long as the comply with RoDMA’s HSE requirements.  Anyone who needs more help in this area should contact our Operations Manager, Miles Cole, copied in.

There is lots of guidance on restrictions/freedoms during the tiered alert levels online.  The most pertinent ones in Tier 2 for the Marina are as follows:

• you must not socialise with anyone you do not live with or who is not in your support bubble in any indoor setting, whether at home or in a public place
• you must not socialise in a group of more than 6 people outside, including in a garden or a public space – this is called the ‘rule of 6’

Further, if you are living in a Tier 3 (Very High Alert) level, you are requested not to travel to the Marina, as this will contravene the regulations.  It is clearly extremely difficult for us to monitor this, so we urge you to please update yourselves on the guidelines in your area and apply them to keep yourself and others safe.

All of the previous guidelines on prevention of passing the virus still apply.

We will continue to monitor the alert levels and give updates as required.

Dear All,

RoDMA will implement the following actions from 07:00 on the 05th November 2020 in response to government COVID 19 guidelines.

Operational Movements

RoDMA will continue to support our clients. KGV lock will remain open for operations (case by case operations and emergency vessel moves only)

Albert Island Marina lock will shut to all non-emergency vessel moves until further notice (i.e. vessels of the emergency services)

Royals Docks Water Users

All water user activities will be stopped from 07:00 on the 05th November 2020 until further notice.

Thank you

RoDMA were pleased to receive the email below which reiterates the importance of why life rings are situated around the docks.

Hi, Last April a woman jumped from the top of the middle of Royal Docks bridge. I happened to be helping out with the local Parkrun that morning and saw her fall. I managed to swim out to her, get her to the excel side and with the help of the excel security and emergency services she was pulled out of the water and taken to hospital. I also was taken to hospital for hyperthermia.

As I swam out to try and help her, I turned around and asked a passer by to throw me one of the orange life rings that are dotted around the docks. When I got to the struggling lady I managed to prop her up on the life ring and swim us both to the other side. Without the life ring I don’t think this would have been possible and who knows what would have happened.

I know this summer especially, people have been removing rings constantly around the dock edge for a casual dip and not putting them back.

I just wanted to email to thank whoever from the Royal Docks team is putting them back everyday for their tireless work and that while I’m sure it is frustrating for them, having the life rings there is very much appreciated. Thanks.

RoDMA would like to thank everyone who helped with the rescue. We hope that all parties have recovered well.