Trambitious Regeneration

Nottingham’s popular tram system scooped a prestigious award last night (22nd June) at a ceremony in London to celebrate excellence in local government public-private partnerships.

Organised by the 4ps, local government’s project delivery specialists, the NET project received the Regeneration Award for ‘Transforming the physical infrastructure for the benefit of local citizens’.

Nottinghamshire County Council Deputy Leader, Councillor Michael Storey and NET Project Leader Pat Armstrong accepted the award on behalf of County and City Councils.

Judges praised the local authorities for delivering the massive transport infrastructure project, which is used by 30,000 passengers every day, through effective public-private partnership.

Operational now for over two years, NET has reshaped the streets of Nottingham, bringing over £1million of environmental improvements, including laying high quality paving, new street furniture and landscaping along the tramway.

No less importantly, NET has acted as a call to action for Nottingham to realise its ambitions. The award-winning partnership brought about the largest Public Finance Initiative in the UK, proving not only that can Nottingham think big, it can deliver big too.

Now Nottingham’s ambitions are evidenced everywhere you look in the city – often within 500 meters of the tram tracks. Cranes on the skyline tell the story of a city re-inventing itself. Many of the new developments served by the tram are described in Nottingham Transformed – a new book that celebrates Nottingham’s constant reinvention and architectural excellence. Some developers explicitly cite the tram as a deciding factor in their location decisions. Even at its northernmost extremity at Hucknall, a Tesco superstore has opened next to the park and ride site. Plans have also been submitted for an 800-home extension to the town.

Chris Wilson, 4ps Executive Director, said: “We were very impressed with NET Line One. It is a particularly innovative example of a highly successful PFI project that has made a real difference to the residents of Greater Nottingham and the East Midlands.”

Councillor Storey said: “The partnership of the two local authorities has been incredibly effective and it’s great this has been recognised. The partnership has been successful because everyone stayed focussed on a common goal – to deliver the best possible tram system for the people of Greater Nottingham and beyond.”

Councillor Michael Edwards, Nottingham City Council Deputy Leader added: “We only hope that Line One’s success, both as a form of transport and regeneration catalyst, will help persuade the Government to give the green light to NET Phase Two.”