Sports consortium set to drive East Mids growth with generation lead role

Credit: Onclusive News for EMCCA

The Trent Sports District is set to become a major driver of growth for Nottingham and the wider East Midlands – forming a key part of the Trent Arc plan led by the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA).

Built around one of the UK’s strongest clusters of sports, leisure and waterfront assets, the District will bring these strengths together to support regeneration, attract investment and create a better-connected place for residents, visitors and businesses.

Property and construction consultancy Gleeds has today been announced as the team who will work on the development of a Regeneration Framework for the Trent Sports District. The framework will set out a clear long-term vision and delivery plan for sport-led regeneration across the area.

The area already benefits from internationally recognised sports venues, such as Nottingham Forest Football Club’s City Ground Stadium, Trent Bridge Cricket Ground and the National Water Sports Centre, strong transport links and a unique riverside setting.

By building on these existing strengths, the District aims to unlock new jobs, support the development of new homes and local businesses, improve public spaces and increase tourism and year-round activity.

The vision will also include improved connectivity and transport, and place also includes improving walking, cycling and public transport connections between the District, Nottingham Station, the city centre and surrounding neighbourhoods.

Over time, the District is expected to attract new investment, increase visitor spending and create more opportunities for local people. Plans will include support for sport at every level, from elite competition to community participation, alongside new opportunities for events, hospitality, leisure, health and wellbeing.

A strong focus will also be placed on inclusive growth, helping nearby communities benefit through skills, employment and improved local opportunities.

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward said: “Nottingham is a true city of sport: football, cricket, rowing, ice hockey, it is all here. We have global teams, loyal fans, and assets to be proud of: but we can do so much more. The Trent Sports District is how we will turn that aspiration for more into reality: a set of investments that help the city embrace its sporting culture, increase access for residents and visitors, and improve quality of life for all.

“Anchored by the redevelopment of City Ground, the District will be an exemplar of sports-led regeneration, and is one of the key propositions we will be discussing with partners and investors at UKREiiF. Team East Midlands is on the pitch.”

The Trent Sports District is identified as a key growth area within EMCCA’s Vision for Growth and the Trent Arc. It brings together nationally significant sports venues, with the redevelopment of Nottingham Forest Football Club’s City Ground Stadium acting as a major catalyst for investment and regeneration. The public engagement consultation process marked an important step towards securing the necessary planning approvals, with an overwhelmingly positive response to these exciting proposals.

As plans progress, the Trent Sports District will help shape a stronger, better connected and more attractive future for the East Midlands, using sport as a catalyst for growth, regeneration and community benefit.

James Naish, Rushcliffe MP, said: “I’m delighted to be working with Mayor Claire and EMCCA on the Trent Sports District. I’ve already been contacted by lots of sports clubs – big and small – who are excited at the prospect of sports and events venues working together to elevate Rushcliffe, Nottingham and the wider region.

“Working together on this scale provides opportunities to secure strategic investment into iconic venues like the National Water Sports Centre, and to resolve some of the operational challenges like event day parking, so I’m really pleased that Mayor Claire is taking a lead on this matter. I share her vision for world-class sports and event venues driving our local economy.

“We have a unique opportunity over the next couple of years to take sport in Rushcliffe and Nottingham to the next level. I’m confident that this can happen, and will be playing my part in lobbying the government for appropriate support and investment where required.”