More than half the funding for a £1.26million scheme to improve cyclists’ access and public space in Derby city-centre has been approved by the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership.
The Derby Connected Cycle City and Placemaking project aims to create new cycling routes and enhance cyclists’ access around the city-centre, as well as improving pedestrian spaces; with a view to making areas more attractive for commercial development, to grow the city economy.
Up to £750,000 funding has been agreed by the D2N2 LEP – a private sector led organisation which promotes economic growth and jobs creation in Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire – for the £1.26m project, which will initially focus on the area called The Spot in Derby city-centre.
Derby City Council, which is behind the project, confirmed that the works will also provide:
- 750 square metres of improved public space
- more than 20 cycle parking facilities
- a new performance and event space at the heart of the St Peter’s Quarter.
Derby City Council contractors are due to commence work on the project shortly.
Further funding to extend the Derby Connected Cycle City and Placemaking project to other parts of the city-centre – aimed at creating jobs, cycle paths and public spaces – may be considered by the D2N2 LEP Board at a later date; following an assessment of benefits from The Spot works and delivery of a wider, strong business case by the Council.
David Ralph, Chief Executive of the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “Making our city centres more attractive places to walk and cycle around does have a positive economic impact, and can help bring businesses back to commercial areas that may be struggling.
“D2N2’s Board saw the potential of the Derby City Council scheme, which is why it has approved more than half of the funding needed.”
Councillor Martin Rawson, Cabinet Member for Planning, Environment and Regeneration at Derby City Council, added: “I am delighted that the city is continuing to prioritise and invest money in walking and cycling.
“These works will not only attract and motivate more people to walk and cycle but will also improve the city’s economy, as new jobs are protected and created from retail and commercial development and investment, and truly realise Derby’s potential as a cycle city.”
D2N2 funding for the Council project will come from D2N2’s £192m Local Growth Fund (LGF), which invests in infrastructure vital for the area’s economic development. To see how LGF is helping grow the D2N2 catchment’s economy visit web link www.d2n2lep.org/Growth/Local-Growth-Fund
For further information about this media release contact D2N2 LEP Communications Manager Sean Kirby on 0115 9578749 or email: sean.kirby@d2n2lep.org
