Rushcliffe MP James Naish has welcomed major progress on the Trent Sports District which has taken two significant steps forward this week.
The East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) has announced that a consortium led by Gleeds has been appointed to develop the Trent Sports District’s regeneration framework and masterplan. This work will be significant in shaping how sports and events venues in Rushcliffe and Nottingham will work better alongside each other, notably when it comes to transport. The masterplan is expected to be completed within 12 months, and will help to shape the future of the area around some of the region’s best-known sporting and leisure assets.
The Trent Sports District was also showcased for the first time at UKREiiF, the UK’s leading investment and regeneration forum, as a flagship opportunity for growth, investment and jobs across the region.
The Trent Sports District brings together internationally recognised venues including Nottingham Forest’s City Ground, Trent Bridge Cricket Ground and the National Water Sports Centre, alongside wider opportunities for regeneration, improved transport connections, tourism and economic growth.
James Naish, MP for Rushcliffe, said: “Anybody who tracks my social media activity will know that I’ve been talking about the Trent Sports District – formerly known as the Trent Sports Quarter – for a while. It’s the most exciting project in town, and I’m delighted that Mayor Claire Ward and the East Midlands Combined County Authority are just as enthused about the idea of a Sports District as I am.
“Working together on this scale provides opportunities to secure strategic investment into iconic venues like the National Water Sports Centre, and to resolve some of the operational challenges like event day parking, so I’m really pleased that Mayor Claire is taking a lead on this matter.
“We have a unique opportunity over the next couple of years to take sport in Rushcliffe and Nottingham to the next level. I’m confident that this can happen, and will be playing my part in lobbying the government for appropriate support and investment where required.”
The Trent Sports District is part of EMCCA’s wider ‘Trent Arc’ vision, a transformational spatial strategy which aims to create a dynamic corridor connecting the cities of Derby and Nottingham through building on the area’s existing strengths. The Trent Sports District is expected to promote regeneration across Nottingham by attracting investment, boosting tourism and visitor spend, and improving public spaces.
Local politicians are also keen to improve walking, cycling and public transport links between Rushcliffe, Nottingham city centre and surrounding communities through the initiative, while ensuring local residents benefit through jobs, skills and wider economic opportunities.
Penny Gowland, County Councillor for West Bridgford North, said: “It is great to see the world class sporting facilities in our area being capitalised on in this way. Hopefully this will provide an opportunity for strategic investments in the County Hall site for residents and fans and, of course, a world-class public transport system to make the area accessible for fans with less disruption to residents’ lives than currently happens. This initiative will put Trent Bridge, West Bridgford and Nottingham firmly on the map and will provide jobs – and joy – for many local people.”
The regeneration framework developed by Gleeds and its consortium partners will set out a clear long-term vision and delivery plan for sport-led regeneration across the district. As plans progress, Rushcliffe is expected to play a leading role in shaping a stronger, better connected and more attractive future for the East Midlands, using sport as a catalyst for growth, regeneration and community benefit.
Liz Plant, Borough Councillor for Trent Bridge, commented: “Trent Bridge ward has some of the region’s best-known sporting assets including Nottingham Forest’s City Ground and Trent Bridge Cricket Ground as well as many other smaller sporting clubs and venues, so it’s rightly a major player in the evolving Trent Sports District.
“The regeneration framework developed by Gleeds and its consortium partners will bring investment, growth and jobs across the region through sports-led regeneration, benefitting the whole community. I’m looking forward to working with the Mayor and her team as the project evolves.”
Speaking earlier in the week from UKREiiF which was taking place in Leeds, Mayor of the East Midlands Claire Ward said: “Nottingham is a true city of sport: football, cricket, rowing, ice hockey, it is all here. We have global teams, loyal fans, and assets to be proud of, but we can do so much more. The Trent Sports District is how we will turn that aspiration for more into reality: a set of investments that help the city embrace its sporting culture, increase access for residents and visitors, and improve quality of life for all.
“Anchored by the redevelopment of City Ground, the Trent Sports District will be an exemplar of sports-led regeneration and is one of the key propositions we will be discussing with partners and investors at UKREiiF. Team East Midlands is on the pitch.”
