Work has begun to create a new sustainable travel hub at the University of Derby’s Kedleston Road site.
Thanks to a partnership between Derby City Council and the University of Derby, students and staff will soon be able to take full advantage of the city’s growing sustainable transport offer at the University’s largest site, two miles from the city centre. The hub, which is due to be completed in early 2025, will offer electric vehicle (EV) charge points, Real Time Information (RTI) travel screens and secure cycle parking.
Designed with the capacity to grow as the city’s sustainable travel offer continues to expand, the hub will allow the University’s staff and students greater choice when choosing how to travel.
Councillor Carmel Swan, Cabinet Member Climate Change, Transport and Sustainability said:
This is an exciting project and I’m thrilled that we have partnered with the University of Derby to bring it to life.
We’ve made great progress in expanding and diversifying the sustainable and active travel choices available in the city and it’s important that we make sure that these schemes are also accessible to students who choose to study in Derby.
Providing students and University staff with accessible and affordable alternative transport options will further support our climate ambitions and enhance Derby’s attractiveness as a leading university city.
Professor Kathryn Mitchell CBE DL, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby, said:
We are delighted to have started construction on this transformative project, bringing greater access to sustainable travel facilities for our students, staff, partners, and visitors, whilst reinforcing our commitment to environmental sustainability and the road to net-zero.
Our continued partnership with the City Council demonstrates that the University is committed to sustainability and its civic role within the city. We are equally excited to continue this collaboration and develop healthier and cleaner travel options within Derby.
In 2020, Derby City Council and Nottingham City Council were jointly awarded £161m for transport improvements from the Department for Transport’s (DfT) Transforming Cities fund, to improve connections between major employment sites and promote active travel and public transport. The two councils were also awarded a £16.7m grant from the Government’s Future Transport Zones fund which is being invested in joint projects which aim to improve connectivity and further encourage use of public transport.
Funded by £800,000 from the Future Transport Zones fund, the hub will complement the city’s growing active travel offer which gives citizens a range of transport options.