Agenda item

Report of the Director for Growth and Economic Development

Mr Chris Carter - Nottingham City Council delivered a presentation to advise the Group of the Transforming Cities Funding Programme, totalling £161m shared with Derby, of which £40m is to be spent on enhancing the walking and cycling network in Nottingham, including £9m allocated for the new foot/cycling bridge and associated connections across the River Trent.

Mr Carter advised the Group that Nottingham City Council had been working on a strategic network of footpaths and cycle routes through collaborative work across the D2N2 area to create a Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP). The LCWIP focuses on areas the bridge will enhance, including a connection to Derby, Nottingham and local urban connections.

Mr Carter explained that the bridge is the highest profile scheme and provided the Group with details of the projects Governance.

Mr Paul Horn – Project Manager, Nottingham City Council continued with the presentation, providing plans showing the existing bridges currently used by pedestrians and cyclists at Clifton, Wilford, Trent Bridge and Lady Bay and the proposed new bridge location at Waterside Nottingham. Waterside Nottingham being a regeneration site located in the Trent Basin, connecting to Trent Fields, West Bridgford on the Rushcliffe side and providing commuting and leisure routes through the Waterside site and onto the City Centre or Gedling to the east.

Mr Horn explained that funding had been granted for a bridge at Waterside Nottingham and that the City Council were looking at 3 locations within this area the area, Trent Basin, Poulton Drive and Trent Lane, the most favourable site being Trent Basin.  In addition, Mr Horn advised the Group that to the south of the river there are still some challenges but discussions with landowners so far have gone well, including Notts County Football Club, Nottingham Forest Football Club, Nottingham Rugby Club and Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club who recognise the benefits of a new bridge. 

Mr Horn provided images at the Trent Basin site, explaining that there was currently no development, but there are plans for high value housing here and that discussions with the developer were ongoing. Further images of the site plan and bridge designs were provided for the Group to consider.

In concluding, Mr Horn provided details of the projects work programme with a public exhibition and consultation expected by September/October 2021, and following this a planning application is expected to be submitted December 2021/January 2022, with construction starting Autumn 2022 and completion by spring 2023.  Mr Horn added that the City Council will continue to engage with stakeholders ahead of a formal consultation and public engagement, adding that connecting communities both sides of the river will require joint working across the City Council, County Council and the Borough.

The Chairman reminded the Group that the purpose of this item is for the Group to provide support for the new bridge proposal and to consider any planning issues that may arise.

The Chairman asked which of the three proposals is the City Council’s preferred location for the bridge and whether the Borough would be expected to provide any financial commitment.  Members of the Group also questioned whether the funding included accessibility to the bridge, including ramps and pathways. Mr Carter advised that the Trent Basin site was looking most favourable subject to additional design work. In respect of funding for the bridge this is secured at £9m and the estimated cost so far is around £5m - £7m, adding that any remaining funds would be put towards connecting routes. It was noted that the bridge was a priority item within the City Council’s ‘Transforming Cities Programme’.

Members asked specific questions in relation to the mature trees and vegetation on the south bank, Rushcliffe side of the bridge and whether accessibility could work with the landscape or would some of the tress need to be removed. Mr Carter explained that unfortunately there would be some loss off trees and vegetation. However, in order to mitigate this trees would be replanted as part of the landscaping scheme.

Members raised their concerns in respect of river traffic and whether the sailing club at Holme Pierrepont had been considered in respect of the bridge height. Mr Carter advised that the club had been consulted, confirming the bridge height would be determined by the Nottingham Princess Cruises.

Members questioned what safety measures had been considered in respect of pedestrians using the bridge and whether there would be restrictions for motorcycles and e-scooters, they also questioned the width of the walk/cycle path and whether this was sufficient to segregate pedestrians from cyclists. Mr Carter advised that the bridge is not intended for motorcycles and restriction signs would be installed to reflect this. In respect of e-scooters, Mr Carter advised they are already restricted to City use only and should not be driven over the City boundary. It was noted the width of the bridge at 3.5 metres is sufficient for joint use by pedestrian and cycles. In addition, Mr Carter advised that good lighting will be considered to ensure the safety of users.

It was noted that the public engagement exercise will explain connectivity on either side of the bridge, it will advise of loss of some footpaths while the bridge is being built and any changes to access. The consultation will also give stakeholders a chance to provide feedback on issue that may not have been considered.

It was RESOLVED that:

a)    The Group noted the report and presentation

b)    The Group supports the principle of a new pedestrian and cycle bridge over the River Trent

c)    The Group provided comments on the proposal that are to be included in a response to the consultation exercise