Plans have been submitted for a new pedestrian and cycling bridge over the Trent.
The Waterside Bridge project is being delivered using grant funding secured in 2020 from Central Government through the Transforming Cities programme.
While the Section 114 Report means that money Nottingham City Council can spend is currently strictly controlled, because external grant funding has previously been specifically allocated for this project, it will continue go ahead.
The new bridge, the first over the Trent since Clifton Bridge was built 60 years ago, will create new links between the expanding Waterside regeneration area, Colwick Park on the north bank, and the Lady Bay/West Bridgford area to the south.
By enhancing connections between communities, green spaces and riverside paths, the proposed scheme will make it easier for people living and working in the Nottingham area to travel in a more sustainable way.
In addition, new and enhanced connecting paths and crossing points will be developed, which will connect the bridge to the wider walking and cycling network, providing access to housing, employment and leisure opportunities across the city and beyond.
The new bridge will also provide strong links between exciting new developments in the Island Quarter, as well as significant housing growth taking place in West Bridgford, and Nottingham city centre.
It will also provide easier access to green and open space south of the river, as well as the sports grounds, for people living in communities such as Sneinton and the city centre.
The project is being led by Nottingham City Council, working in partnership with Rushcliffe Borough Council and in consultation with Nottinghamshire County Council.
Since funding was allocated in 2020, the City Council has explored location options for the new bridge, including looking at environmental and flooding factors and engaging with local people.
Feedback from residents led to the width of the bridge being increased and additional connecting routes being considered.
Rushcliffe Borough Council’s Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Wellbeing, ICT and Member Development Cllr Jonathan Wheeler said: “The bridge could create further positive connectivity for residents on both sides of the river and we welcome government funding that has enabled the project to come to fruition.
“We have been pleased to work with our city colleagues on designs for this new community bridge so far and look forward to seeing the next stage of the project progress subject to an independent planning process.”
