Hopes to improve Trent Bridge in Nottingham have been put on hold while the city council seeks clarity over funding.
City councillor and Nottingham Forest fan Steve Battlemuch says Trent Bridge needs “love and attention”, including the removal of concrete safety barriers installed after terror attacks in London.
The Grade II listed bridge, which dates back to 1871, carries around 50,000 vehicles a day, as well as thousands of cricket and football fans on match days.
In 2017, the Government requested that steel and concrete safety barriers be installed on either side of the bridge to protect pedestrians following attacks including the Westminster Bridge incident.
Cllr Battlemuch has described the barriers as an eyesore and wants them replaced with bollards. He has also called for improvements to lighting and paving on the bridge, which he says can be dangerous.
Following Nottingham Forest’s promotion to the Premier League and return to European football, he also suggested the bridge could become a visitor attraction, with a possible walk of fame.
But he said any work is now delayed while Nottingham City Council seeks clarity over the finances of the Bridge Estate.
The Labour-led authority is the sole trustee of the estate, which was set up to maintain Trent Bridge and raises income by letting around 100 properties across the city.
Cllr Battlemuch said: “My desire to secure improvements at Trent Bridge, which includes the removal of the hostile concrete barriers, are still on hold until we get absolute clarity in terms of funds the Bridge Trust has got.
“I will continue to pursue and campaign for the improvements.”
The Bridge Estate has previously faced scrutiny over the management of its finances, including in a financial report published in 2024.
At a meeting on Tuesday 22 June, councillors discussed the charity’s operations and the management of its property portfolio.
During the meeting, Cllr Battlemuch again raised concerns about the condition of the bridge, referring to “a number of issues many of us were unhappy with”.
Bevis Mackie, corporate portfolio and investment manager, said an annual tour of the estate’s properties was being arranged.
Cllr Battlemuch said: “I would like people there on the day who can talk about what has been happening in the last year, what work has been done, if any, and what plans of work is going to be done in the future.”
Mr Mackie replied: “We are waiting to see if colleagues can join us at that particular stop on the tour.”
Cllr Battlemuch said improvements may now be more likely to come through the East Midlands Combined County Authority.
EMCCA and mayor Claire Ward have taken steps towards a new investment plan for the city and county’s sporting districts.
The Trent Sports District plan aims to encourage investment and regeneration around Nottingham Forest’s City Ground, Trent Bridge Cricket Ground and the National Water Sports Centre.
The vision includes new jobs, homes, business opportunities, improved public spaces, better transport links and increased tourism across the riverside area.
Lilian Greenwood, Government transport minister and MP for Nottingham South, said: “Trent Bridge is a vital river crossing used by thousands of city and county residents every single day.
“It is also a key link for visitors to our city, especially those heading to the region’s iconic sports grounds.
“I’m sure everyone wants this important gateway to our city to the look the part, but the priority must be the safety of people using the bridge, especially those on foot.”
By Joe Locker, Local Democracy Reporter