Nottingham’s newly expanded tram network has scooped a prestigious industry award.

During the high profile 2015 Light Rail Awards event in London, Nottingham Express Transit (NET) was named as the UK Project of the Year.

Judges were impressed by the way the NET Phase Two partners had overcome significant engineering challenges and introduced a number of new technologies, whilst operating and maintaining a successful commercial service on the former Line One route.

The award was presented to Cllr Jane Urquhart of Nottingham City Council and Phil Hewitt, Executive Chairman of NET concessionaire Tramlink Nottingham.

Mr Hewitt said: “We’re delighted that this landmark project has been recognised by the wider industry.

“Although it has been challenging, the hard work and dedication of all involved – including our partners at the City Council, operators, Nottingham Trams Limited and contractors Taylor Woodrow Alstom – ensured we were able to open a quality service just over a month ago. The reaction from local people has been excellent and the expanded network is already demonstrating significant benefits for Nottingham.”

Councillor Jane Urquhart from Nottingham City Council added: “While the construction of the new tramlines was a difficult time for many people, there’s no doubt that the new tram network is already proving popular – the record crowds arriving by tram at last week’s Goose Fair highlighting this.

“I’m really pleased that the global light rail industry chose to recognise Nottingham’s new tram network, which was constructed by many local people and firms, in this way.”

In addition to completing the construction of two new lines to Clifton and Chilwell, the project has also seen the introduction of 22 new Citadis trams, the major change to a ‘buy before you board’ ticketing system and a host of other improvements which are providing benefits to travelling customers.

As well as taking the top honour, NET also scored success in another category by winning the Team of the Year Award, recognising the efforts of the partnership which delivered the Phase Two project.

Now in their tenth year, the Light Rail Awards are organised by Tramways and Urban Transit magazine and were established to acknowledge excellence across the industry.