West Bridgford’s Central Avenue is set to undergo significant public realm improvements following approval from Nottinghamshire County Council (NCC).
The scheme, backed by a £100,000 allocation from Rushcliffe Borough Council’s (RBC) UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), aims to enhance the pedestrian experience, improve public spaces, and encourage footfall to local businesses.
The long-anticipated project aligns with Nottinghamshire’s broader ambitions for economic recovery, sustainable transport, and urban regeneration, as outlined in the Nottinghamshire Plan 2021-2031. The council has also cited the scheme as supporting objectives under its Economic Transition Plan, which focuses on infrastructure investment and sustainable mobility.
Central Avenue, at the heart of West Bridgford’s shopping and leisure district, has long been recognised for its high footfall and its key role in public transport. The latest traffic survey, conducted in August 2024, revealed an average of 1,100 vehicle movements per day, of which 60% were buses and delivery vehicles. Around 400 cyclists also navigate the route daily.
Existing traffic restrictions include:
- Southbound vehicular access is prohibited at all times except for buses and cyclists.
© westbridgfordwire.com
- Northbound vehicle access is restricted from 7am to 7pm, Monday to Saturday, with exemptions for buses, cyclists, loading vehicles, and permit holders.
- The area has a 30mph speed limit and features three pedestrian crossings.
However, concerns have been raised over unauthorised vehicle use after 7pm, with reports of speed violations, creating safety risks for pedestrians.
What’s Changing?
The initial feasibility study, commissioned in July 2022, explored several options to make Central Avenue more pedestrian-friendly while maintaining essential transport access. Following detailed discussions and budget considerations, the council has prioritised a phased approach focusing on environmental improvements.
Approved Changes:
Street furniture removal and relocation – Sections of pedestrian guard railing (78m in total), cycle stands, seating, and litter bins will be removed or repositioned to reduce congestion and enhance pedestrian flow.
New ‘welcome area’ near 200° Café – This will include additional seating, soft landscaping, and new cycle parking.
Replacement of worn-out street furniture – The two existing curved benches will be replaced with new seating featuring integrated planters, and all remaining litter bins and cycle stands will be upgraded.
Improved access to the Croquet Lawn – Enhancing the space for public events.
Dropped Proposals Due to Budget Constraints:
Extending the ‘No Vehicular Access’ restriction to 24 hours – This measure, intended to improve pedestrian safety, was deemed unfeasible within the current funding and timescale. Future investigations may be undertaken.
Resurfacing pedestrian crossings – Despite some concerns over uneven surfaces, a recent inspection found no significant safety risks. Minor repairs have already been completed.
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Bus stop modification & new street lighting – While ideas such as repositioning the northbound bus stop and introducing festoon lighting were considered, funding limitations have delayed these enhancements for now.
Northbound bus stop Central Avenue
© westbridgfordwire.com
RBC and NCC view this initiative as the first phase of a broader plan to transform Central Avenue into a more inviting and vibrant urban space. By removing obstacles, enhancing the streetscape, and making it easier for pedestrians to navigate the area, the improvements are expected to boost local businesses and encourage greater use of sustainable transport.
“Providing well-designed areas to sit and relax will not only improve the area’s visual appeal but will also encourage people to spend more time here, benefiting local shops and cafés,” the report stated.
Additionally, these enhancements are aligned with Nottinghamshire’s sustainability goals, aiming to reduce reliance on cars, ease congestion, and lower emissions in the town centre.
With the plans now approved, Via East Midlands has been commissioned to deliver the works on behalf of NCC and RBC. The scheme will be implemented at a fixed cost, ensuring no financial risk to either authority.
Consultation has been undertaken through the West Bridgford Growth Board, with local businesses and transport operators engaged throughout the process. Further public awareness campaigns will be launched by RBC ahead of the works.
If additional funding becomes available in the future, further pedestrianisation efforts and infrastructure enhancements could be revisited.
The announcement has been met with mixed reactions from residents and business owners. Many welcome the improvements, particularly the removal of street clutter, but others had hoped for a full pedestrianisation scheme.
The decision not to extend traffic restrictions to 24 hours has also left some campaigners disappointed. However, NCC has left the door open for further pedestrian-friendly measures in future funding rounds.
