Nottingham’s tram network could be extended in future, but no new route has yet been confirmed.
The last extension of the network opened in 2015, linking the city with Toton Lane and Clifton. That followed around three years of construction work.
Since then, further extensions have been discussed, but none has reached the point of approval or delivery.
Nottingham City Council has recently referred to ambitions to connect the tram to locations including proposed Commercial and Innovation Districts and new homes in the Broad Marsh area, as part of its wider 2050 vision.
East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward has also suggested that a tram connection to Rushcliffe’s proposed Trent Sports District is among the transport options being considered for that area.
A wider feasibility study commissioned by the Mayor in March last year is still ongoing. The study, which cost £300,000, is understood to be looking at a number of possible destinations for future tram routes.
Three options have been publicly identified by the East Midlands Combined County Authority: the new Fairham development beyond Clifton, the Chetwynd Barracks site in Toton, and Gedling.
Gedling has previously been raised as a possible location for an extension. In 2018, Gedling Borough Council leader John Clarke said he wanted the tram to serve Gedling Country Park and nearby housing developments, with a route through Netherfield and Carlton.
Since then, Nottingham City Transport has extended its blue 45 bus route through the Teal Close and Chase Farm developments, which were built in the area.
However, parts of Gedling around Shearing Hill and Carlton le Willows Academy remain less directly connected to the city centre.
Dad Deryck Shepherd, whose children are both in their teens, said a tram near where he lives close to the school would benefit the area.
“It’d be massive,” said the 52-year-old utilities consultant. “Definitely, not so much for me even, but for the kids.
“My youngest is 13 and he’s just started going into town to meet his mates. If they’re coming back here there coming on their own it’d be extra security, knowing that they’re not familiar with the area.
“Even for me – the buses are okay – (but) if I go into town I tend to get a taxi. The bus goes a really long route from here.”
An old railway line runs near the school on Wood Lane. The line is no longer in use but links from Netherfield station towards Gedling Country Park, passing the former Gedling and Carlton station.
That station is currently being turned into a youth club and community centre.
It has previously been suggested that the old rail route could be repurposed for tram use.
Local resident and campaigner Francis Rodrigues, who chairs the Gedling Youth Club Management Committee, said the area would benefit from a tram extension.
He said such a route could also complement plans for a recreational walking route through the borough’s historic sites, known as The Heritage Way.
He said: “I think its an ace idea. A lot of the infrastructure for (both the Heritage Way and the tram) is already is in place such as footpaths and old track beds. I understand there is room to accommodate the tram plus the walking route as it was once a two-track railway line.
“I’m all for it, 100%, if there’s any reality about it. With all the new housebuilding, including building on Mapperley Golf Club land, Colliery Way (the long-awaited bypass opened in 2022) has given us breathing space, but of course all the infill behind the new road is going to get built on.
“I would use it myself when I go into town or to Queen’s Med for a doctor’s visit. It’s a dream to ride on. We’ve got nothing this side of Gedling to compare with that. I think reopening the train line would be great. And it’d be good for the area. We need more levelling up and that is a tram this side of the city. We’ve got Colliery Way but we haven’t got a dual carriageway.”
Not all residents are convinced that Gedling should be the next location for a tram extension.
Barry Searle, who has lived in the area since 1970, said the case would depend on the route.
“It all depends where it goes to really,” said the 88-year-old. “I don’t think there’s enough people in Gedling to warrant it. But if it went through to Arnold somehow it probably would be (worthwhile).
“I would’ve thought they would’ve extended it to the airport to be quite honest. It seems to make more sense to do it there. But by the time it came I probably wouldn’t be here anyway!”
No date has yet been confirmed for when the feasibility study will be completed or when any decision on a future tram extension could be made.
At this stage, Gedling remains one of several possible options being considered, rather than a confirmed route.
