The publishers of a new book on NET Phase Two launched it at the tourist information centre on Smithy Row yesterday afternoon, 3 March 2016.
‘Nottingham’s Growing Tramway: Building on NET’s Success’ by Geoffrey Skelsey, published by the Light Rail Transit Association (LRTA), is 96 pages long and includes chapters on Nottingham’s tram history, comparisons with other tram cities, the construction of NET Phase Two and the future for trams in Britain. It is now on sale at the tourist information centre for £16.50 and at www.lrta.info/shop for the same price (plus postage). The book is also available at Gee Dee Models, Heathcoat Street and the Five Leaves Bookshop in Long Row.
The LRTA published a similar book on NET Phase One in 2007 by the same author.
The new book includes a foreword by Councillor Jane Urquhart, with lead responsibility for NET at Nottingham City Council. She said: “I was very pleased to be asked to contribute the foreword to this book, which documents an important part of Nottingham’s transport history. Having been involved with both phases of the development, first as a councillor in Bulwell and then as the portfolio holder, it was challenging at times but always rewarding to see the transformation made to our city. The new lines are providing opportunities for tens of thousands of residents, as well as many businesses, but we aren’t resting on our laurels. I hope to see the network further expanded in the coming years.”
Mr Skelsey said: “This publication picks up where my previous book, ‘Nottingham’s New Trams: The NET Success Story’, left off and covers the development, construction and inauguration of the new lines to Chilwell and Clifton. I have very much enjoyed following the story so far and would be delighted to be able to write another book in the future if the network expanded further”. LRTA Chairman, Andrew Braddock, added “It is a pleasure to launch a book on a project that clearly has more to offer Nottingham and the surrounding area, with the potential to develop into a regional light rail network serving Derby and the other East Midlands cities”.
Steve Lowe, Chief Executive of NET concessionaire Tramlink Nottingham, said: “This is a fantastic record of a major project that has positively changed the face of Nottingham forever. It’s important for this story to be documented in this way so local people and visitors – both now and in future generations – can fully appreciate both the scale of the project and what it means for Nottingham. It is a real success story and one we’re proud to be associated with.”
Attending the launch were Councillor Michael Edwards (Nottingham City Council), Roger Harrison (LRTA President and former Executive Chairman of Tramlink Nottingham Limited), Andrew Braddock (LRTA Chairman), Hans Retallick (LRTA Treasurer), Carl Isgar (Chairman of the LRTA Publications Group) and Steve Tough (NET Team Leader, Nottingham City Council)