Richmond's Stag Brewery development and issues to do with flood prevention were among those raised at a recent meeting of the Port of London Authority (PLA).

The PLA's chief executive met with residents and river users to answer questions about the upper Thames last month.

Robin Mortimer answered concerns surrounding the Stag Brewery redevelopment, as well as whether the Thames Barrier was fit-for-purpose and the subject of upkeep on the river walls.

Mr Mortimer said: "The Thames Barrier issue is the responsibility of the Environment Agency and the Department for the Environment and Rural Affairs but it is forecast that the decision on a new barrier should be made in 2030 in time for completion in 2070.

"The maintenance of the river walls was the responsibility of the riparian property owner, although local authorities and the Environment Agency have a strong interest in flood prevention.

"PLA have also worked with the Council to try and make the most of the Stag Brewery site’s position on the river and in particular would look to see if water transport could be used for the transport of materials associated with the site’s development where possible."

Around 50 people attended the meeting where it was revealed that Richmond's Lock and Weir footbridge had re-opened on February 24 after a £500,000 repainting project which took eight months.

According to the PLA - the project was particularly difficult because of the 125-year age of the structure and its intricate design.

Other PLA news updates also included:

  • The appointment of an upriver maintenance foreman
  • The completion of the first phase of the development of Fulham FC’s Craven Cottage stadium
  • The construction of the Thames Tideway Tunnel is 50 percent complete
  • The PLA is working with the local authorities to see if a temporary pedestrian and cycle path can be erected to relieve the difficulties caused by the closure of Hammersmith Bridge