Derby City Council is taking steps towards a greener future with its Sustainability Investment Programme for 2026/27, for which Cabinet will be asked to approve new funding from the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) at their meeting on Wednesday 8 April.

Powered by a multi-year settlement of over £25m from EMCCA, this transformative programme will support various projects, including:

This builds on a year of major progress for travel and transport, driving Derby towards becoming a better connected and sustainable city that we can be proud of.

  • Enhancing road conditions and infrastructure assets, promoting seamless connectivity and accessibility.
  • Advancing major transport schemes that support sustainable urban development and growth.
  • Investing in parks and open spaces to sustain biodiversity and foster wellbeing.
  • Implementing strategic flood protection measures and climate adaptation initiatives to safeguard communities against climate change impacts.

Sorting out the roads

In the past 12 months, over 63,000m² of carriageway surface dressing was completed, alongside 9.5km of roads and 16km of footway micro surfacing – all aimed at making journeys smoother.

Innovative in-situ recycling methods were implemented on Moorway Lane, notably reducing CO₂ emissions by over 100 tonnes, while over 5,100m² of critical concrete repairs were completed at high-stress locations like key roundabouts and busy bus stops.

Staying safe near schools

Significant progress has been made in building sustainable school environments via the establishment of permanent School Safe Havens at several primary schools. These include Reigate Primary School and Castle Ward Spencer Academy. On top of this, the delivery of 21 Traffic Regulation Orders, including extensive road safety improvements on Ashbourne Road have helped to make the journey to and from school safer for children and families.

Supporting sustainable transport

Derby saw more successes in the realm of green and sustainable transport. 40 bus shelters were refurbished in the city which, coupled with new  real-time information totems, have enhanced the public transport experience.

New play areas and upgraded park facilities, underpinned by over £550,000 of investments in sport and recreation, have given a boost to our green spaces and highlights the Council’s unwavering commitment to improving community wellbeing through environmental stewardship and active living.

Councillor Carmel Swan, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Transport and Sustainability, said:

With this new funding, we can build on a successful year of progress and keep moving at pace towards a cleaner, greener Derby.

Residents will already see the difference, from greener more vibrant streets, to quicker, more efficient journeys, and the infrastructure to support a more sustainable transport network.

Investing in sustainable transport, our greenspaces, and the wellbeing of our communities, we are not only tackling today’s challenges but also planning responsibly for the future. This investment programme is about making every day life better for people across Derby, while doing the right thing for the environment and future generations.

 

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward said: 

This investment shows the power of regional collaboration. Through the East Midlands Combined County Authority, we’re backing Derby with long-term funding to improve transport and connectivity - making travel easier, greener, and more efficient.

Transport is central to our vision. From upgraded roads and bus infrastructure to safer school routes, this targeted investment is already improving everyday journeys and reducing emissions.

By working with Derby City Council, we are ensuring these funds deliver lasting benefits - connecting people to opportunities, supporting growth and building a more sustainable future for the region.

The funding for 2026/27 will be allocated in two phases, with the first being approved at EMCCA Board on 9 March and the second expected to follow on 8 June.

This project links to actions 21, 34 and 35 in the Climate Change Action Plan 2025-2027, supporting the Council’s aim to reach net zero by 2035.