Decision details

This report updates Cabinet on discussions concerning the arrangements for the maintenance and management of the Medway Tunnel. It recommends completion of legal agreements with the Rochester Bridge Trust.

The Cabinet agreed to give delegated authority to the Director of Finance and Corporate Services to:
(a) Enter into a contribution agreement, which ensures:
(i) that the Trust contributes towards the running costs of the tunnel; and
(ii) that the Trust pays the Council a sum, as set out in paragraph 6.1 of the report, as a contribution towards the running costs of the tunnel between 1 April 1999 and 31 March 2003.
(b) Grant an option agreement, which will allow the Trust to acquire the freehold of the western control room (and surrounding land) and rights to use the eastern service chamber.

To conclude negotiations with the Trust on what has been a prolonged and difficult contractual issue. This will enable the Council to be reimbursed for both tunnel maintenance costs previously incurred, and for works to be undertaken in the future.