Nottinghamshire County Council has officially marked the groundbreaking of works on the Gedling Access Road.
The event held at the site compound off Lambley Lane launched the beginning of the 18-month construction which will reduce congestion, boost the redevelopment potential of the local area and increase connectivity with wider Nottinghamshire.
D2N2 has contributed £10.8 million from the Local Growth Fund to the construction of the road which will enhance the connectivity of Nottingham City Centre with the county.
D2N2 is funding the project in line with its remit to support economic growth across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire to create a more productive, sustainable, and inclusive region.
The investment in the new access road will result in unlocking significant new jobs and homes for the area whilst creating a more sustainable and reliable transport infrastructure for Gedling and the surrounding area.
Representatives from Nottinghamshire County Council were joined by D2N2, Via East Midlands, Gedling Borough Council, Balfour Beatty, Keepmoat Homes, and Homes England who are all partners in the project.
Gedling Access Road
The project includes a substantial programme of ecology mitigation measures and will bring environmental benefits to the area by planting 5.84 hectares of new woodland, which is a 40% increase in woodland area, to offset the carbon footprint.
Initial works which have taken place include site clearance across the entire 3.8km stretch of the road to prepare for major earth movement and drainage works in coming weeks.
D2N2 CEO Sajeeda Rose Said: “Connectivity is the backbone of the D2N2 region, and we are proud to have invested £10.8 million into the Gedling Access Road’s construction.”
“The Gedling Access Road represents a strong stimulus for the local economy of Gedling, bringing with it the prospect of more houses, and more employment opportunities.”
Councillor Kay Cutts MBE, Leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “The Gedling Access Road will lead the way for future sustainable development in the area, particularly on the former Gedling Colliery/Chase Farm site which has stood empty since 1991.”
“The project team have designed the scheme to ensure it is ecologically sensitive. This will result in increasing the area’s biodiversity, including planting native species and specific design features to protect and enhance the local wildlife.”
“The completed road will pave the way for new housing and business developments to better provide for Gedling as a thriving community whilst reducing the amount of traffic on urban roads. The existing roads will remain to provide a quieter route for local traffic, including buses, cyclists, and pedestrians.”
Construction Begins
In addition to the £10.8 million from D2N2, the development of the road will draw funding from key partners, with; Homes England, contributing £7.17 million, Developers Keepmoat contributing £17 million (which includes £4.48 million from a Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) secured by Gedling Borough Council), £5.4 million from Nottinghamshire County Council and a further £529,000 from section 106 contributions, including £436,000 from the nearby Teal Close development.
Stephen Semple, Balfour Beatty Area Director for North & Midlands, said: “We are delighted to begin construction works on the Gedling Access Road in Nottinghamshire.
“Our expert team of engineers are perfectly positioned to deliver this highways scheme which will not only provide the travelling public with a new and improved access route but will also have positive environmental benefits through our commitment to biodiversity net gain on the project.”
Shaun Fielding, Regional Managing Director for Keepmoat Homes East Midlands added:
“This is a milestone for everyone involved in the regeneration of the colliery site which has taken years of work and a partnership approach between multiple public and private organisations. Keepmoat is fully supportive of the construction of the new Gedling Access Road and is proud to help fund its construction.
“With work now underway, the new access road will eventually ease traffic congestion for residents and commuters into the city; create jobs, open up new commercial facilities and will help to unlock the remaining 735 much needed new homes on the successful Chase Farm development, without impacting upon existing residents in Gedling village.”
