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West Bridgford
Tuesday, February 11, 2025

£4 million plans to link West Bridgford town centre to the new Waterside cycle and pedestrian bridge

Nottinghamshire County Council is planning to allocate £4 million towards enhancing walking and cycling facilities in Lady Bay and West Bridgford.

These plans are recommended to Cabinet for final approval.

This comes as part of the broader Transforming Cities Fund (TCF) Tranche 2 initiative, which aims to improve connectivity, reduce carbon emissions, and promote healthier transportation options across the region.

The decision to reassign this unspent TCF funding follows a series of reviews and adjustments to the original active travel proposals for the area.

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© Image copyright © westbridgfordwire.com 2023

The Council had already secured funding as part of the £161 million Tranche 2 of the TCF, a collaborative programme involving Nottingham and Derby, designed to support sustainable growth, ease congestion, and reduce carbon footprints in urban areas.

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The new allocation aims to fund improvements between the new-build pedestrian and cycle bridge over the River Trent and West Bridgford town centre​ which is expected to be completed in 2026.

The Government announced in March 2020 that Nottingham and Derby had successfully secured the TCF grant.

Nottingham City Council is acting as the lead, liaising directly with the Department for Transport, while Nottinghamshire County Council oversees the delivery of the active travel measures impacting the county’s infrastructure.

Proposed Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge

A major highlight of the TCF-funded initiatives is the planned construction of a pedestrian and cycle bridge over the River Trent.

The new bridge will significantly reduce walking and cycling distances between Lady Bay and Nottingham city centre, connecting more local residents to major destinations such as Holme Pierrepont Country Park and the National Water Sports Centre.

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The bridge project forms part of the County Council’s strategic cycling network, and its construction is expected to commence early next year, with an anticipated completion by March 2026​.

The project will integrate various infrastructure improvements aimed at improving safety and ease of access for both cyclists and pedestrians. This includes upgrading pedestrian routes and enhancing traffic signal priorities at multiple sites across the county.

Underspend and Benefits for the Community

Currently, the TCF programme has a £4 million underspend, primarily resulting from the removal of previous active travel proposals for the A453 and A6005 corridors due to feasibility concerns. In light of this, Nottinghamshire County Council sees an opportunity to direct the available funds towards improving connectivity between West Bridgford and the new bridge. This effort includes developing designs for enhanced pedestrian and cycling facilities between these areas, which would ensure a coherent link for those travelling across the bridge into the city​.

Via East Midlands, a local service provider, has been commissioned to conduct the necessary design and feasibility studies. The results of these studies are expected to pave the way for further Council approvals and eventually the delivery of these critical transport improvements.

Economic and Environmental Benefits

The wider TCF project aligns closely with the County Council’s policy goals, as outlined in the Nottinghamshire Plan, which emphasises carbon reduction, environmental protection, and supporting health and well-being through active transport options. The Local Transport Plan (LTP) and Local Cycling and Walking Improvement Plan (LCWIP) also prioritise such schemes that promote sustainable travel.

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Council officials believe that the development of improved cycling and walking facilities will not only promote healthy and active lifestyles but also enhance access to jobs, educational institutions, and leisure facilities. This will be particularly crucial for economic recovery in Nottinghamshire, where easing congestion and increasing connectivity are seen as essential for growth and development.

The Service Director for Green Growth, states that utilising the available funding is crucial, as there are no suitable alternative projects that could meet the necessary criteria and timeline. Should the funds remain unspent, they would have to be returned to Nottingham City Council, potentially jeopardising future funding opportunities for the county. it is highlighted that leveraging the TCF funding will enable the Council to make strategic investments in local infrastructure that will benefit residents and businesses across Nottinghamshire​.

Tudor square © westbridgfordwire.com
Tudor square © westbridgfordwire.com

The Council’s decision-making framework for the TCF project includes collaboration between the Cabinet Members for Economic Development and Asset Management (EDAM) and Transport and Environment (T&E). While the EDAM Cabinet Member will make the decisions on funding allocation, the T&E Cabinet Member will be responsible for delivery approvals. Any designs produced by Via East Midlands will be subject to further scrutiny and potential approval before implementation begins.

 

Planning permission has already been granted for the bridge, with construction expected to be underway next year. The timeline for the completion of the works is bound by the TCF funding deadline of March 2026. The Council is keen to ensure that any improvements are delivered within this deadline to maximise the benefits of the TCF scheme for the local community.

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The Transforming Cities Fund initiative is part of a larger governmental commitment to enhance active travel and reduce environmental impacts associated with urban transport.

National policies, including the “Gear Change” strategy, envision a future where walking and cycling become the preferred options for shorter journeys. By delivering these active travel measures, Nottinghamshire County Council aims to be at the forefront of this movement, helping to create healthier, more accessible, and environmentally friendly communities.

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Drone views of The Hook in 2024
© westbridgfordwire.com

If the proposals move forward, the expectation is safer and more convenient travel for residents in West Bridgford and Lady Bay, providing them with an improved network of paths and cycleways that connect key areas of the town with the Nottingham city centre.

• Update: Nottingham City Council to give final green light for new bridge over the River Trent

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