Funding allocated to make walking and cycling safer on Gregory Boulevard, continue popular cycling sessions and explore future projects

More than £1.8m of external funding will be invested in delivering walking and cycling improvements in Nottingham, thanks to the new East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA).

Nottingham City Council will discuss whether to officially accept the funding at its Executive Board meeting on 21 October.

It is proposed that the £1.3m of the funding will be used to deliver improvements along Gregory Boulevard between the A60 Mansfield Road and Noel Street. The scheme would form part of a wider network, creating better opportunities for walking and cycling along the Boulevards, the city centre and Sherwood, connecting with existing facilities such as:

• Education: Djanogly City Academy and better connections to Bluecoat Trent Academy, Nottingham High School and Nottingham Trent University
• Parks and open spaces: Forest Recreation Ground and Arboretum
• Leisure facilities: The Forest Sport Zone and Djanogly Community Leisure Centre
• Transport: The Forest Park & Ride

The scheme complements plans to improve facilities at The Forest Sport Zone, which opened in 2015 – a £2.6m project to transform pitches and buildings at the venue was granted approval in June 2025. The proposed improvements along Gregory Boulevard will improve pedestrian and cycle access to the facility.

This project would enhance the safety and accessibility of cycle routes and footpaths, encouraging more people to walk, wheel, and cycle across Nottingham. As part of the project, it is proposed that resurfacing work will also be carried out on the road, reducing the need for future disruption by combining improvements into the construction. Upgraded crossings will make it easier and safer for pedestrians and cyclists to navigate the area, while footpaths will be improved to provide a more comfortable and accessible experience.

Below is a map showing how the proposed route fits into the existing cycling network and its location near key destinations:

As part of the scheme design process, the proposals will go out to public consultation to give people the opportunity to provide feedback.

In addition to the £1.3million of funding earmarked for the Gregory Boulevard scheme, an additional £459,814 has already been received which will be used to research and develop future potential schemes to improve Nottingham’s walking and cycling networks, as well as continuing funding for a successful programme in partnership with British Cycling.

The British Cycling programme which began in spring 2025, offers free have a go at cycling sessions at Victoria Embankment and Harvey Hadden aimed helping people to get on their bikes. More than 2000 people have taken part in sessions so far in 2025, and upcoming sessions include family friendly sessions timed around school holidays, and women’s only sessions. Bikes and helmets can be provided. Upcoming sessions can be viewed at transportnottingham.com/free.

Councillor Linda Woodings, Executive Member for Regional Development, Growth and Transport at Nottingham City Council, said: “We are delighted have been allocated this investment from the East Midlands Combined County Authority.

By improving safety and accessibility along Gregory Boulevard, we plan to make it easier for people to choose walking, wheeling, and cycling for their everyday journeys, connecting communities, schools, parks, and leisure facilities, helping to create a healthier, greener city.”