News

Station Hub project gathers steam

25 September 2007 One of the most ambitious and impressive proposals for Nottingham's transport and economic development has been given a boost by funding from East Midlands Development Agency (emda) and the Greater Nottingham Partnership (GNP).

A development grant of over £1.5m has been awarded to take forward the multi-million pound regeneration project - known as The Hub - which aims to transform Nottingham's railway station and the surrounding area.
"The Hub represents profound changes in our transport connections across the region, the UK and now across Europe - given the new Eurostar connection at London St Pancras." said John Watson, Chair of the Project's Board.
"Over five million passengers use the station every year and passenger growth is set to rise rapidly. We now need a 21st century station serving a 21st century city."
The grant money, together with funds from other partners including the City Council and Network Rail, will be used to progress the Business Case and further develop the scheme's design.
Mr Watson said: "This is a vital next step in the process. We'll be taking ambitious planning proposals and converting them into the nuts and bolts details that can be used by construction companies to tender for the work."
The proposed changes to the station include:
- Encouraging significant new commercial development for mixed use in and around the station including retail opportunities
- Restoring the Edwardian frontage into an attractive space where passengers will be able to wait in comfort among shops and cafes
- Creating a new travel centre, toilets and passenger information points
- Building a new concourse directly connecting the station with Nottingham Express Transit Line One and Phase Two
- Constructing a new multi storey car park
- Implementing new traffic arrangement enforcements to the public realm to improve bus, cycle, pedestrian and taxi access around the station and upgrading the area's environment
Anthony Payne, emda's Land and Development Director said: "Nottingham Hub is an exciting project which will transform the Victorian station into a modern international gateway as well as act as a catalyst to drive forward a major regeneration scheme both in and around the station. The project is at the heart of the Southside Regeneration Zone, close to the Eastside and Waterside Zones and will improve links between the station and the city's retail centre. The Hub also has regional significance and will contribute to our overall vision to become a flourishing region."
The proposals are expected to act as a catalyst for the development of sites surrounding the station and are part of wider plans to improve the Southside of the city. 'The redevelopment of the station will increase its use and appeal making it easier for people to choose to use public transport,' said Councillor Parbutt, Portfolio Holder for Transport, Economic Development and Skills at Nottingham City Council.
'All our experience indicates that a transport revolution could transform the Southside - Capital One chose their site on Station Street precisely for its proximity to public transport, and they have since constructed one of the most elegant new office buildings in the country.'
'The area surrounding the station looks a bit run down but these proposals will improve the links to The Meadows, to the £200 million canal quarter and the £400 million new Broadmarsh Centre. The station really is 'The Hub' for all these fantastic new developments, as well as for the expanding tram network, and its transformation will encourage further investment and uplift.'

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