A building project team has been announced to construct a long-awaited pedestrian and cycle bridge over the River Trent.
The new bridge will link the Trent Basin area west of Trent Lane, off the Daleside Road in the city, to south bank of the river close to the Hook nature reserve in Lady Bay, Rushcliffe.
It will become the first crossing built over the river in the city in 65 years.
A planning application was originally due to be submitted last year, and then again in spring 2023, however this has again been pushed back to the summer.
Despite the delays the project has now reached a “significant milestone”, according to those behind it.
Consultancy Pick Everard has been announced to deliver the bridge project alongside infrastructure group Balfour Beatty, on behalf of Nottingham City Council.
Matt Hall, national director at Pick Everard, said: “The formal appointment of our consultancy team and Balfour Beatty as principal contractor is a significant milestone for Nottingham City Council.
“This is a flagship project for the city and the available social and transport benefits available must be presented in a clear way as stakeholder engagement continues.”
Pick Everard has previously worked in the city on building work for part of the former Broadmarsh Centre site in Nottingham.
Feasibility studies have been completed alongside work to pinpoint the exact location of the bridge.
The council now expects work to begin in 2024, before completion in 2025.
Government funding has been secured for the £12 million project through the Transforming Cities fund.
Cllr Audra Wynter (Lab), Portfolio Holder for Highways and Transport, said: “We’re working in partnership with Rushcliffe Borough Council and in consultation with Nottinghamshire County Council to create better walking and cycling links for all our residents and look forward to submitting the planning application for the new bridge in early summer 2023.”
Leader of Rushcliffe Borough Council, Cllr Simon Robinson, added: “The bridge will create further links between Rushcliffe and the city, providing the opportunity for improved access, and a sustainable alternative to dependency on car use, to employment and recreational opportunities on both sides of the river.
“Subject to an independent planning process for its construction on the Rushcliffe banks of the Trent, we are pleased to hear partners have been appointed and we are supportive of its creation.”
Calls have also been made for a new road bridge over the River Trent.
Politicians in Gedling and Rushcliffe have long suggested a fourth bridge should be created to help people in both areas and prevent motorists travelling “out of their way” to use Gunthorpe Bridge, near East Bridgford.
Tom Randall, Gedling’s Conservative MP, has been leading the calls since he was first elected in December 2019, however major investment in the region of around £50m would be needed to make the vision a reality.
