The East Midlands is set to benefit from a substantial investment in its transport network, following confirmation that Mayor Claire Ward has secured up to 2 billion GBP through the Government’s new ‘Transport for City Regions’ fund.
Spanning five years, the agreement will support the development of a more modern, reliable, and integrated transport system across the region. A key focus will be on improving connectivity between Derby and Nottingham and enhancing infrastructure across key economic areas.
The funding will contribute to broader regional ambitions, including the delivery of up to 100,000 new jobs, 52,000 homes, and an estimated 4.6 billion GBP in economic impact. It aims to link more residents to employment opportunities, education, and essential services, while supporting long-term regional development.
Mayor Ward said:This is the largest transport investment our region has seen in a generation.
As Mayor of the East Midlands, one of my most important responsibilities is to ensure that Government sees this region through the eyes of those who live, work, and travel here, and to make sure we are treated as a national priority. Today’s announcement is the clearest sign yet that this approach is working.
The Trent Arc Corridor
A central component of the investment is the enhancement of transport services in the Trent Arc – an economic corridor connecting Derby and Nottingham. This area includes sites such as the East Midlands Freeport, Infinity Park, and Ratcliffe-on-Soar.
The Trent Arc corridor is expected to support the creation of 40,000 jobs and 30,000 homes, contributing an estimated 2.4 billion GBP to the UK economy.
Planned improvements include upgraded rail, road, and bus connections, with improved access to strategic employment zones and freight hubs such as the East Midlands Intermodal Park.
Key Projects Across the Region
In addition to investment in the Trent Arc, several other transport projects will be supported:
Chesterfield-Staveley Regeneration Route (CSRR): This project aims to open the Canal Corridor, enabling regeneration in North Derbyshire. Projections include 8,000 jobs, 4,000 homes, and an economic contribution of around 500 million GBP. The route will enhance connectivity into neighbouring regions, including South Yorkshire and Lincolnshire.
A614/A6097 Upgrades in North Nottinghamshire: Road improvements along this corridor will improve access to national logistics networks, particularly for former coalfield towns and villages. The scheme is expected to address congestion and support the local freight and logistics sector.
The announcement is the outcome of collaboration between the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA), local stakeholders, and the UK Government. It represents a shift towards a more regionally responsive approach to national transport investment.
Planning and early-stage work on the funded projects is set to begin immediately. Further updates on project timelines and public consultation processes are expected in the coming months.
Mayor Ward added:This is the moment we begin to put right decades of underinvestment. From everyday frustrations to major barriers to growth, poor transport has held our region back for too long. Whether you’re a student weighing up college options, a small business struggling to recruit, or a visitor-facing venue trying to grow footfall, I know what happens when transport doesn’t work. Fixing it will be central to my Transport Plan, and now we have the resources to deliver real, tangible change.
We’re getting to work straight away. That means strengthening the rail, road and bus links between Derby and Nottingham, the vital Trent Arc. It means delivering long-overdue projects like the Chesterfield-Staveley Relief Route and finally addressing congestion pinch points like the A614/A6097 in north Nottinghamshire.
I look forward to working with partners across the East Midlands to deliver these improvements. Better transport doesn’t just move people. It powers opportunity, unlocks growth, and connects us to a better future.
