Welcome to Express page 2 News from Line One pages 2/3 NET Phase Two update pages 4/5 What the tram has done for us pages 6/7 xpress | NET Phase Two NEWS | issue 2
taking a tram home!
Welcome
to the second edition of Express, the magazine that brings you up-todate about Nottingham’s tram. Read on for the latest news from Line One, to find out what’s happening with the development of Phase Two and to learn more about the role trams are playing in Nottingham’s development.
News from Line One From its launch on March 9th 2004 the 14km City-to-Hucknall Line One has proved popular with Notts residents and commuters. The system has proven reliable and punctual and as a result in the first year an above expectation 8.4million journeys were made, with passenger numbers growing month by month. The route and its 15 trams have now become an accepted part of daily life and are strengthening Nottingham's position as one of the UK's top cities.
Investment boost The East Midlands Development Agency sees the development of NET as one of the critical factors for “creating a climate for investment” in the region. There is evidence that this is already happening. A new Tesco superstore next to the Hucknall stop, new private flats by The Forest Park and Ride site, a Travel Inn hotel overlooking the Nottingham Trent University tram stop and multi million pounds mixed-use developments alongside the line near the Lace Market stop, are just some examples which point to the tram supporting investment decisions. Indeed, developers of the Lace Market site have said the tram is one of the reasons they were interested in the site. Site Manager David Hargreaves said: “If we hadn't got the tram I'm not sure we would have done the scheme.”
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Retail status Property consultants Gerald Eve reported Nottingham as the fourth best retail City among regional cities, with the tram playing a key role in its success. Nottingham's City Centre Manager Jane Dykes says “As one of the top shopping and leisure destinations, improving access and accessibility was always going to be the key to Nottingham’s success. Line One has made easier connections across the City from the train station in the south to shops and offices in the north.” And Paul Houghton, Operations Manager at Nottingham’s John Lewis store, says the tram helps the City project an affluent and aspirational image.
Housing boom There’s an extensive new housing development near the Hucknall stop, after a long period of stagnation in the local property market, and there are more applications awaiting approval. Estate agents have reported an increase in the price and speed of house sales near NET which they are calling the “tram effect”. Buyers and sellers are also seeing the proximity to a tram stop as a selling point.
Regeneration benefits A report by transport consultants Steer Davies Gleave says it is clear that UK
Customer Vox Pop
‘‘I find the tram very efficient and the regular service helps me plan my journey.” Lindsey Taylor travelling from Nottingham to Hucknall
tram systems can be accompanied by beneficial effects on commercial and residential property values and that tram schemes can play an important part in shaping how economic regeneration can be developed. The report says tram schemes can: Kick start the development of undeveloped sites Improve the appeal of residential areas through better access to jobs, shopping and other amenities Halt the drift of residents away from areas previously in decline Create better access or wider catchment areas for business customers and workers Bring a 'buzz' to an area As well as these benefits NET Line One is helping to tackle social exclusion by providing access for people with mobility difficulties and links to job and training opportunities and amenities in the City Centre. The tram is also helping to make our neighbourhoods cleaner and greener as it reduces the number of car journeys on the conurbation’s roads. Paddy Tipping MP for the Hucknall area which is feeling NET’s regeneration benefits said: “Investment in NET has brought new investment and a new and better future for Hucknall.”
Line One passengers give their views of the service
‘‘The tram has great access for prams and pushchairs, which is a godsend’’ Lisa Gamble travelling from Moor Bridge to Bulwell
‘‘It would be a very good idea to extend the network from the City Centre to the QMC Hospital’’ Arthur and Iris Wright travelling from Hucknall to Nottingham 3
What’s happening with Work is continuing to progress the development of NET Phase Two – the collective name for two extensions to Line One; Chilwell via Beeston and QMC, and Clifton via Wilford.
NET Phase Two would serve areas to the south and west of Nottingham doubling the length of the system, the number of stops and the size of the tram fleet. To help minimise the number of cars on Nottingham’s roads the two new lines would each have a Park and Ride site at their furthest extremity. In addition to the NET Phase Two scheme there are also proposals for a comprehensive modernisation of Nottingham Station. Travellers will benefit from an improved interchange at Nottingham Station, providing easy connections between trains and trams, with direct tram services linking Line One with Phase Two lines. So tram passengers will be able to travel seamlessly between the north and south of Greater Nottingham in one effortless journey. There has, however, been a delay to the timetable and
Focus on Beeston
Fay Atkin and Margaret Gilbert
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We asked people in Beeston for their views on the proposed ‘‘We think that bringing the tram to Beeston would be a really good thing as long as the free parking wouldn’t be affected. The tram would be good for trade and the Park and Ride service would be an advantage. All in all we think the tram would be an asset to Beeston as long as no business would need to be demolished’’
‘‘I think the tram would attract more people ... personally I didn’t think Beeston was big enough for a tram service’’ Kieran Hennessey
NET Phase Two? Chris Deas, Development Manager for NET Phase Two explains why: “All tram projects must have the case for funding pre-approved by the Department for Transport (DfT). We were expecting this decision in December 2004, however, the DfT asked us to provide some further information, which we have, and we are now awaiting the outcome of this.” The partners involved in the scheme are confident that a robust proposal, that meet the Government's requirements, has been put forward. Chris said: “We continue to be encouraged by what the DfT is telling us about our plans, so this is more of a case of pausing in the sidings rather than hitting the buffers.” One area of particular concern raised by the delay is the prolonged effect it may have on those people whose properties are directly affected by the plans. The Councils are looking at ways to counteract this such as methods of speeding up the property purchase process. Chris added: “We are acutely aware of the difficult situation some people are now in and the added uncertainty a
delay presents, and we will keep a dialogue open with them and do what we can to alleviate such problems.” As soon as NET Phase Two receives approval on its funding case from the DfT the team will seek final approval from the City and County Councils to submit an application to Government for a Transport and Works Act Order (TWAO). An approved TWAO provides the powers to enable the new tram lines to be built and operated. A Public Inquiry is likely to follow in 2006 and if all the necessary approvals and funding are in place, construction works could start in 2008. A three year construction period is expected so trams could be up and running south and west of the city in 2011. The DfT's Permanent Secretary David Rowlands has said: “I do genuinely believe Nottingham shows the successful way forward. I cannot see any reason in principle why the Nottingham system should not be expanded.” But now we need the Government to show it supports this view by giving approval to move forward to the next phase of Nottingham's tram system.
tram extension
Kay Chapman
‘‘I don’t think the tram would be a good idea in this area. I think the tram itself would take too much of the road up. I don’t like the idea of driving on the tram lines and I think in general car users won’t feel the need to use the tram as an alternative. I also have concerns about the alteration of roads, disruption, noise and roadworks’’
‘‘I think bringing the tram to Beeston would be a great idea. I would definitely use them to go to the city’’ Rex Fuller 5
What the tram Helen Clayton Capital One associate “The trams go so frequently that I don’t even need to check the timetable. There’s one every five minutes, so you know you’re never very far away from catching them. They stop at all the most convenient areas of the City, and you can even buy combined tram, train and bus tickets which means you can really use Nottingham’s public transport to the best effect.” Jane Dykes City Centre Manager “In its first year of operation the tram has greatly benefited the City Centre primarily as an easy to use, reliable, clean and safe means of transport. The capacity of Park & Ride facilities has increased bringing in more shoppers and visitors. In the past some visitors will have been less inclined to make what they perceive as a ‘difficult’ journey into Nottingham, but where the tram has provided an easy and reliable service they have changed their patterns and come into Nottingham.” 6
has done for us John Heeley Experience Nottinghamshire “The tram has been a huge success for Nottingham from day one and the benefits to tourism are obvious. On arriving at Nottingham train station you are taken to the City Centre and beyond by a fast, clean and reliable form of transport. This creates an excellent first impression for our visitors of a welcoming City that is easy to navigate and explore.” Alan Mellor Chief Executive of Ashfield District Council “Since the arrival of the trams into Hucknall, the town has witnessed a surge of tourism. Shops and refreshments providers are reporting an increase in their business and St Mary Magdalene’s Church, where Lord Byron is buried, has noticed a marked increase in visitors. Ashfield District Council is now taking positive steps to ensure that there are adequate information facilities for the new wave of tourists including additional ‘brown tourism signs’ and interpretation panels.”
Martin Gawith Greater Nottingham Partnership “The success of the tram is due to good Park & Ride facilities – NET Line One has five sites and Phase Two will add two more, meaning that all three M1 junctions serving Nottingham have a Park & Ride site nearby. Another benefit has been the segregation from and priority over other traffic as ten of the 14 kilometres of Line One is off street and on street the tram has priority at almost all junctions. Integration with other transport with buses linked with NET and interchanges with trains at Hucknall, Bulwell and Nottingham, together with joint ticketing arrangements has made Line One part of an integrated transport network. The success of Line One will further the economic and social agendas across the whole of Greater Nottingham and make a valuable contribution to improving the aspirations and opportunities for everyone in our area.”
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soapbox ‘Hop’ on and write in… As part of promoting our integrated transport vision, we want those of you who have not yet had a go, to hop on the tram and tell us what you think. We want to hear from more of you and as such are giving away public transport Kangaroo tickets to those of you who write in telling us about it. We could even publish your story…
trams by Liz Nelham Lindfield Road, Nottingham Today I’m going for a ride on the tram It’s been a real boost for Nottingham A smooth and fast route into town No traffic jams or red lights to slow you down There’s a friendly conductor to take your fare Hold on tight, we’ll soon be in Slab Square Or up to the Lace Market to browse around This is the best way into town So don’t pay hefty charges to park the car Just hop on the tram it’s better by far (As published in the Nottingham Evening Post)
CONTACTING US: WRITE TO:
NET Phase Two Development Team, Lawrence House, Talbot Street, Nottingham NG1 5NT. EMAIL:
tram@nottinghamcity.gov.uk FOR GENERAL PHASE TWO INFORMATION LOG ONTO:
www.netphasetwo.com