Agenda item

Presentation by the Visitor Development and Services Director, Culture, Heritage and Libraries.

The Committee received a comprehensive presentation by the Visitor Development and Services Director of the Culture, Heritage and Libraries Department updating Members on the tourism element of Tower Bridge.

The Chairman thanked staff at Tower Bridge for their efforts.

Members queried whether consideration had been given to a ticket deal arrangement with the Tower of London & Historic Royal Palaces to which the Director of Culture, Heritage and Libraries responded that whilst the enthusiasm was not currently there for such a deal the City Corporation was on good terms with the both organisations.

A further query was raised as to whether the former Bridge Master’s accommodation could be used as a honeymoon suite, particularly as weddings were already taking place at Tower Bridge. The Director of Culture, Heritage and Libraries responded that a feasibility study assessing the demand for and costs of using the accommodation as a honeymoon suite was underway and that the matter would be considered once this had been completed.

Another query was raised regarding the capacity of the bridge to which the Director responded that last year they accommodated a footfall of 515,000 and that due to weight restrictions there was a limit of 250 people on the new walkway at a time. He added that even with this number and the Olympic ring installation there would be no safety concerns.

RECEIVED.