Gedling and Rushcliffe councils ‘very supportive’ of new tram expansion study

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By Kit Sandeman, Local Democracy Reporter

Councils in Gedling and Rushcliffe have said they are ‘very supportive’ of the tram extending to their areas – and have already spent £60,000 on plans for it.

It was revealed last week Nottingham City Council is looking into extending existing lines or even building new ones.

It has since has emerged that Gedling Borough Council contributed £50,000 to the study, and Rushcliffe Borough Council provided £10,000.

The study, which is being led by the city council, will look at potential new routes, with one priority being an extension from Clifton to the new 3,000-home development on land off the A453, in Rushcliffe.

An extension to the planned HS2 Hub at Toton and other longer term “potential development sites in Greater Nottingham” will also be looked at as part of the work.

Jon Clarke, the leader of Gedling Borough Council, has previously said the tram network should use the local ‘mineral lines’, which were once used as train lines to transport coal from pits.

He said the tram could extend along the lines – which would lower the initial cost – to Gedling Country Park, where a park and ride could be built.

Councillor Roger Upton heads planning and housing at Rushcliffe Borough Council, as well as representing the Radcliffe on Trent ward for the Conservatives.

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Priority for a tram extension is Fairham Pastures, Rushcliffe, bordering Clifton. The land off the A453 and Nottingham Road will become a vast housing and employment development.

He said: “We have contributed to the feasibility study in line with being very supportive of the potential extension of the tram into the Fairham Pastures site in Rushcliffe and beyond.

“An extended line on the route could play a huge part in the connectivity of the 3,000 new homes, community facilities and potential 2,500 jobs created by local businesses on the site.”

A spokesman for Gedling Borough Council said: “Gedling Borough Council is very supportive of the plans to extend the tram network and has contributed £50,000 towards the study.

“We want to see the trams extended to this region and see improved transports links with the city.

“This feasibility study could open up some fantastic opportunities and we will make sure that our residents are treated as a priority when any plans are drawn out.”

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City Council Leader Jon Collins.

Speaking after the feasibility study was made public, the leader of Nottingham City Council, Jon Collins, said: “Nottingham’s tram network has gone from strength to strength, with the latest figures showing a significant rise in passenger numbers, and we are continuing to look at options for future extensions.

“The immediate priority is to start on an extension from the Clifton South Park and Ride to provide access ready for the 3,000 new homes and employment developments planned just outside Clifton off the A453.

“We also want to maximise the benefits of the East Midlands HS2 Hub at Toton, which we hope will include a short extension to the tram network from the stop in Toton Lane, providing access from HS2 to key destinations in the west of the city.

“This funding will pay for feasibility studies to look at these extension, and based on potential future funding we’d also like to look at longer term plans to explore extensions to Gedling Colliery, Netherfield and Gamston, allowing us to increase the tram’s reach into the east of the city.

“Together these would enable us to create an even more connected network, offering a high quality alternative to the car and further helping to reduce congestion around Greater Nottingham.”