Agenda item - NOTTINGHAM ENTERPRISE ZONE SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT PACKAGE

Agenda item

NOTTINGHAM ENTERPRISE ZONE SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT PACKAGE

Report of the Director of Major Programmes   Report to Follow

Minutes:

John Bann, Cycling and Road Space Transformation Manager, and Eddie Curry, Head of Parks, Open Spaces and Investment Funding, jointly presented the report of the Director of Sport and Culture.

 

The report sought the Committee’s approval to use Highfields Leisure Park Trust land to accommodate a new cycle and footpath link between Thane Road/George Green Way and University Boulevard.  The proposed footpath link includes a new shared use bridge over the Nottingham-Derby railway; some of the columns for the Bridge would be located on Trust land.

 

By accommodating such proposals the Trust is being offered a one-off mitigation contribution as compensation for some loss of sports ground space. 

 

Trustees noted that the primary objective of the Trust is to provide public recreation and pleasure grounds for the people of Nottingham forever, and the proposed use of the land does not meet this criteria on its own.  The proposals would however, support the development of Nottingham Enterprise Zone and support the sustainable transport infrastructure which in turn improve access routes over the railway line, links for the University and Enterprise Zone but would also increase public awareness and use of the park as well.

 

Trustee’s questions were responded to as follows:

 

(a)  it is estimated that approximately 1,000 citizens could use at least part of the foot/cycle path per day, particularly due to the nearby tram stop. There will be an automatic counter on the shared bridge over the Nottingham-Derby railway line which will provide usage information;

 

(b)  Boots land adjacent to Thane Road will be secured from public usage generally but would have access points to the new pathway as required;

 

(c)  the foot/cycle path will be maintained by the City Council, with the exception of a small section leading to the Tennis Centre, which will be maintained by the Tennis Centre;

 

(d)  the path will be completely lit along its length and a mutually beneficial and efficient CCTV provision and monitoring partnership agreement is proposed between the City Council and Boots;

 

(e)  the proposal is still subject to Planning Authority consideration but to date no objections have been received and locally the proposal is welcomed.

 

Trustees welcomed the proposal as positive for the local area.

 

RESOLVED

 

(1)  that the proposals for a new pedestrian and cycle route to link George Green Way and University Boulevard with Thane Road through the new Nottingham Enterprise Zone (Alliance Boots) and Nottingham Science Park with controlled access to the Tennis Centre and Highfields Park Sports Ground,  including the shared use bridge is endorsed;

 

(2)  that  a one-off financial contribution to the Highfields Leisure Park Trust of £25,000.00 for the loss of playing pitch space to  be accepted subject to the conditions set out in resolution (3) below being met;

 

(3)  to grant authority to the Director of Legal and Governance in consultation with the Chair of the Committee to enter into the appropriate legal arrangement with the City Council for the use of Trust Land to accommodate a new bridge structure over the main Nottingham-Derby railway line.  Such delegated authority being granted subject to consultation with the Highways Authority and the Charities Commission relating to their requirements for a legally compliant transaction.

 

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