Highways works complete with new trees and planting to come this autumn
Works on the roads, footpaths, new cycle paths and signals are now complete, with pedestrians, cyclists and drivers now using the junction as intended.
- Pedestrians benefit from safer, wider, more direct crossing facilities and safer, more accessible footpaths such as the area outside Grosvenor Casino which was previously stepped and uneven
- Cyclists benefit from new cycle paths separated from the flow of traffic
- New intelligent traffic signals react to the number of cars waiting in real time, to better share out ‘green time’ and minimise congestion
- Motorists also benefit from a new right turn from Mount Street onto Maid Marian Way and a new left turn on Park Row onto Maid Marian Way
The goal of the Maid Marian Way project which began in May 2024 and was funded by £8.9million from Central Government’s Future High Streets Fund was to renew and reshape… in a way that improves experience, drives growth, and ensures future sustainability. This project wasn’t just about creating a better environment for those passing through the area by foot, bike or car, but about regenerating and giving a facelift to the whole area.
Importantly, on a key gateway to the city centre it is now easier and more enjoyable for people to move between the heart of the city centre and the cathedral quarter with Nottingham Playhouse and the Albert Hall and Derby Road’s shops and other businesses. This should encourage footfall and support the success of our city’s venues and businesses in this area.
The transformation also includes:
- Improved public realm on an important gateway into the city, including seating areas, large ‘Maid Marian Way’ planter inspired by those at Battersea Power Station. The new planter was made locally by specialist metalworkers in Sutton-in-Ashfield
- Added trees and green spaces – with over 1000 square metres of planting, including a rain garden with water-loving wildflowers designed to help absorb heavy rainfall. Up to 40 new trees will be planted later this autumn along with plants and shrubs, herbaceous perennial and grasses. As with the green heart, fencing will protect the planting while it establishes
- In addition to the rain garden, long sunken swales have been created next to the road, which will again be planted with water-loving wildflowers
Councillor Linda Woodings, Executive Member for Regional Development, Growth and Transport at Nottingham City Council, said “Maid Marian Way is totally transformed – it’s wonderful how much calmer and more open it feels now.”
“Motorists are still able to travel through the area easily but plenty of space has been reclaimed for people, with seating areas and space to meet, chat or eat lunch, as well as safer segregated lanes for cyclists.”
“Thanks to Thomas Bow for working hard through a long hot summer – they along with our Transport Strategy and Major Projects team have done a great job of keeping the project moving and making sure local businesses and residents are kept informed.”
Alex Flint, CEO of Nottingham’s Business Improvement District, It’s in Nottingham, said: “We’re pleased to have supported Nottingham City Council as they made improvements to this important gateway into Nottingham. Visitors, businesses and those working nearby will all benefit from the improved pedestrian access and green space which contribute to making Maid Marian Way a more welcoming area of the city.”
Ansar Ahmed, Building Manager at Chapel Quarter (home to Premier Inn and other businesses) said: “It’s great to see the project completed and the area becoming a much nicer place to walk around. We look forward to seeing more planting and greenery coming soon. Thank you to the project team who kept us in the loop throughout. The whole project was completed without causing any issues to the building occupiers, which is a real credit to the team’s planning and communication.”