This is my final bulletin as Leader of Nottingham City Council. On Monday, we are holding a meeting of all Councillors where Councillor Neghat Khan is set to be appointed as the new Leader, the first woman of colour to hold the position. I would like to take this opportunity to wish her well for the future. I have worked with Neghat for more than ten years in Dales Ward and know that she will work hard on behalf of the people of our great city. I hope that she can count on the same support that has helped me through my five years as Leader.
Our city has faced many challenges since I took over in 2019: financial hardship, Covid, the collapse of Intu the owners of the Broad Marsh shopping centre, Government intervention in our council and the tragic killing of three people in our city last June.
Despite the challenges, I am pleased that I have been able to lead some significant improvements and changes in our city. The Broad Marsh area is now dramatically improved, with the new Central Library, bus station and car park, revamped public areas – and just this week I was able to help start the digging at the Green Heart park that will being much-needed green space into our city (see picture).
I am pleased to have been able to work with neighbouring councils to help deliver a devolution deal that will see our first elected regional mayor, Claire Ward, helping to bring much-needed investment back into the East Midlands and into Nottingham.
Our ambition to be the first carbon neutral city by 2028 continues – I have championed the work led by my former deputy leader Sally Longford to ensure that we do all we can to promote clean air, green technology and improved public transport. Our bus network under Nottingham City Transport continues to be one of the best in the country.
I was also proud to reopen Nottingham Castle after the independent trust ran out of money and that we now see thousands of visitors flocking to see this jewel in our city’s crown.
I would like to thank the Deputy Leaders who have served alongside me. As well as Sally, I am grateful for the support of Cllr Adele Williams and Cllr Audra Wynter.
Being Leader these has not always been easy, but it has been my privilege to serve our citizens and to do my best for the people of Nottingham.
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Building work is well underway to create the new wildlife-rich Green Heart, which is part of the Broad Marsh area.
The new green space will be a place to enjoy nature with 38 trees, 34 of them newly planted, plus areas of colourful planting, a new ‘marsh’ area and several footpaths and places to sit, including a new extra-long bench.
The Green Heart is also a key pedestrian route, so there will be a main path creating a clear and direct route from the train station to the city centre. This pedestrian route will be well lit at night and will be the route to all the other seating areas during the day and a place for people with limited mobility to stop and rest.
This new space, which is just the start of the green transformation and is due to be completed this Summer and is funding by money the council secured from Central Government through the Transforming Cities programme.
Find out more about the Green heart.
The Green Heart is the latest piece of the wider Broad Marsh public realm redevelopment. Most recently, a new play space was opened on Collin Street, which features swings, a play trail, balancing walkways, a seesaw and green planting.
Collin Street is also now fully open for people to walk through, with a traffic-free route connecting the Green Heart and Lister Gate, with the new green public space on Sussex Street next to Nottingham College. Plus, the area has a new Central Library, Car Park and Bus Station and the a new Nottingham College city hub.
Recently, it was revealed that a new state-of-the-art Community Diagnostic Centre will be located on the Broad Marsh site and will be a one-stop shop for MRI, CT, x-ray, ultrasound, echocardiography, ECG, and lung function testing.
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There have now been over 150,000 Lime e-bike rides in Nottingham since the rental service launched in April 2023.
The service from bike operator Lime, in partnership with Nottingham City Council, makes it easier than ever to choose a fun, sustainable option to travel across the city, with users able to pick up and return Lime e-bikes from a network of designated e-bike-hire bays across the city and all managed through the Lime app.
Since being launched the scheme has expanded to cover most areas of the city, with expansion across the remaining areas of Nottingham to be completed this year.
Find out more about the scheme and how to hire a bike here
The Green Hustle Festival, a celebration of life and creativity that aims to make our city greener, healthier, and more connected, returns to Old Market Square on Saturday 1 June.
The free event will offer activities, creative workshops, a talks tent, live music, street entertainment, a pop up garden, and a community cafe serving pay-what-you-feel meals, delivering an inspiring programme right into the heart of the city featuring collaborations with local artists, organisations and community groups, uniting behind the theme ‘Common Ground’.
It's a great way to find out more about green issues and take away ideas for sustainable living, from making ethical purchases and tips for growing in pots and plots of all sizes, to steps individuals can take to effect change in their communities.
Green Hustle is also supporting Nottingham City Council's ambition to be carbon neutral by 2028, and the team from CN28 will be present at the festival to share what they're doing, to give everyone the chance to be involved and have their say.
Find out more
- Tram track works this weekend 18 & 19 May - David Lane track replacement works means that part of the Phoenix Park route will be closed, as well as the Basford, David Lane, Highbury Vale, Cinderhill and Phoenix Park tram stops. A replacement bus will be in operation.
- May marks National Walking Month - why not enjoy one of the guided walks organised by the Local Access Forum and discover new parts of the city. Find out more
- Are you a local business, charity, public sector organisation or group? Could you benefit from having electric vehicle chargepoints or other green travel infrastructure at your buildings, such as bike shelters, showers or pool e-bikes? We can help with 75% or 100% funded improvements thanks to Government funding -find out more here.
- Luminarium is back with an event at Lakeside Arts in Highfields Park from 25 May - 2 June. Find out more and book here
- Open air theatre at Nottingham Castle, Wollaton Park and Newstead Abbey is coming up this summer! See what's on and book online.
- Over 30,000 people are signed up to our weekly traffic and travel email, with roadworks, public transport and disruption info. Sign up here!
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