Department for Transport

Nottingham tram extension gets first government go-ahead
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date 25 Oct 2006 00:00
source Department for Transport
type Press release

Plans to extend the Nottingham tram moved a step closer today when Transport Secretary Douglas Alexander gave programme entry approval to the scheme and announced that Government will contribute £437m.

The two extensions are planned to go to Chilwell/Beeston and Clifton, linking directly into Line One at Nottingham Station.

Today's decision will now allow Nottingham City Council and Nottinghamshire County Council to undertake detailed design for the scheme, and apply for statutory powers.

Subject to planning powers being granted, and that the other conditions of funding approval are satisfied, including costs being kept under control, construction of the extensions could start in 2010.

Douglas Alexander said:

"The Nottingham tram has been a great success in encouraging people onto public transport. These extensions provide the opportunity to continue this success, and give people in the south of Nottingham quicker, more convenient access to the city centre.

"We're still at an early stage in the approval process, but we will continue to work with the Nottingham authorities so they can deliver a tram that is attractive to passengers and value for money for the taxpayer."

NOTES TO EDITORS

1. The first line of Nottingham Express Transit (NET) opened in March 2004. The total cost was £200m, of which Government provided £174m in PFI credits.

2. The Government's contribution to the extension scheme is capped at £437million in PFI credits. In addition, Nottingham City Council and Nottinghamshire County Council will fund £141million.

3. The Chilwell and Beeston route would go from the railway station to the south west of the city. It would serve the Meadows residential area, the ng2 development site, the region's main hospital at the Queens Medical Centre, the University of Nottingham, Beeston town centre and Chilwell, terminating at a new park and ride site serving the A52, close to junction 25 of the M1.

4. The Clifton route would go from the railway station to the south of the City. It would serve the densely populated residential areas, including the Meadows, Wilford/Ruddington Lane area and the Clifton Estate, terminating at a new park and ride site serving the A453.

5. The scheme has been granted Programme Entry, which is DfT's initial approval stage. The next step is for the promoters to seek Transport and Works Act (TWA) powers. If TWA powers are granted, the scheme will be considered for Conditional Approval, which would then allow the scheme to start procurement. Full approval will only be granted following procurement when firm costs are known.

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Railhub Archive ::: 2006-10-25 DfT-001