Two projects to improve transport links through the A61 Growth Corridor Scheme will now benefit from D2N2 funding.

The Sustainable Transport project has been awarded £1.69 million from D2N2’s Local Growth Fund of the total £2.12 million cost whilst 21st Century Transport’s £3.75 million total cost will benefit from £3 million Local Growth Fund injection.

D2N2 Chair Elizabeth Fagan said of the news: “Creating strong and faster transport links across the north of our region are key to helping the economy of our region grow, particularly with work on the nearby North-Derbyshire Manufacturing Zone continuing at pace.”

“D2N2 has a strong commitment to clean growth and maintaining our natural assets, therefore I’m delighted that the projects we’ve funded as part of the A61 Growth Corridor will make it easier for local people to cycle to work as well and help make the air they breathe cleaner.”

With a number of significant residential and employment developments proposed within the corridor including Peak Resort and the Avenue, both projects form part of the larger Transport Mitigation Strategy for the area and aim to improve the resilience of the local transport network.

A more resilient transport network will lead to additional investment in the area including more employment opportunities and a greater number of homes, allowing the area to become more productive, more prosperous, and more inclusive.

This package of measures will provide infrastructure improvements and reduce commuter journey times, provide sustainable transport routes, and also ‘unlock’ further opportunities for major housing and employment growth along the A61 corridor through Chesterfield and into north-east Derbyshire.

Furthermore, as part of D2N2s commitment to clean growth, the improvements to the transport network will prioritise active travel, cycling, and pedestrianisation through new and upgraded paths and cycle routes.

Once works are complete in 2021, residents and local businesses will also benefit from a technology package which will include bus real-time information for bus passengers, car parking guidance and information, and CCTV.

The ‘A61 corridor’ into and through Chesterfield was among the first of D2N2’s named Growth Deal projects.

In addition to The Sustainable Transport and 21st Century Transport projects, the A61 Corridor scheme also includes 3 additional elements: The Chesterfield Station Masterplan, The Avenue Southern Access, and Clowne North projects.

Each element of the plan will be accessed by the D2N2 Investment Board ahead of any final decision on funding allocation.

D2N2 is the private sector-led partnership which promotes economic growth across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. It has been allocated more than £250m in LGF funding from the Government, to part-fund infrastructure projects which directly help its area’s economy and create jobs.

Local Enterprise Partnerships are playing a vital role in driving forward economic growth across the country, helping to build a country that works for everyone. By 2021 Government will have invested over £12billion through the Local Growth Fund, allowing Local Enterprise Partnerships to use their local knowledge to stimulate economic growth across the country.

Local Growth Minister Jake Berry said of the project securing funding: “This Government is committed to boosting economic growth across the Midlands Engine and throughout the UK as we leave the EU on October 31.

“Supporting the development of a more resilient transport network is just one of the ways that the Government helps local communities to thrive. The Local Growth Fund’s £4.69 million investment will drive economic development within the area – tackling traffic congestion, improving air quality and enabling greener transport choices”.

Derbyshire tourism businesses have the chance to reach thousands of potential international visitors at the Fiets en Wandelbeurs walking and cycling fair in the Netherlands next spring, thanks to an exciting opportunity offered by the area’s official tourist board.

Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire has announced that as part of their £1.2 million ‘Delivering a World Class Visitor Economy within Derbyshire’ project, funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), they will be flying the flag for the area at the Fiets en Wandelbeurs walking and cycling fair in Utrecht, from 28th February to 1st March 2020.

Fiets en Wandelbeurs is one of the largest events of its kind in Europe, attracting over 40,000 walking and cycling enthusiasts who are passionate about active holidays, excursions and experiences. The fair has a complete offering in walking and cycling, from routes and destinations to the latest equipment and innovations.

The tourist board is inviting a small number of businesses from the Peak District and Derbyshire to join them at the fair for the chance to promote their business and reach new markets, encouraging more international visitors to book a break – and discover great walking and cycling – in the area.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for Derbyshire businesses who are interested in reaching overseas visitors. Thanks to our beautiful countryside, amazing landscapes and fantastic walking and cycling opportunities, the Peak District and Derbyshire is already a popular destination for Dutch visitors and the Netherlands is one of our priority markets.

“Together with the help of passionate local businesses at Fiets en Wandelbeurs in Utrecht, we hope to encourage even more international tourists to book an overnight break and discover what we have to offer.”

To qualify for the opportunity to join Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire’s stand at Fiets en Wandelbeurs in Utrecht, your business must be:

• Based in Derbyshire
• An SME (less than 250 employees)
• A visitor economy business (or part of its supply chain)

Successful applicants will be responsible for their own travel and expenses but will be provided with the trade show space free of charge due to the ERDF project funding.

The closing date for applications is 17:00 on Friday 25th October 2019. Successful applicants will be notified in early November.

To find out more and to apply for a space, please click here.

Image credit: Visit Peak District & Derbyshire