The Co-op have produced outline plans for a tramway which would link a new eco-town they wish to build south east of Leicester to Leicester City Centre. Trams would take just 15 minutes to travel the complete distance and Co-op are estimating that just £300 million would be needed to build the line.
The tram line would start at the eco-town – to be known as Pennbury if permission is given – where there would be seven stops. The tram would then serve Oadby University campus, Stoneygate, Knighton Park Road, Leicester University, Leicester Railway Centre and Charles Street (in the city centre). If this line was a success future extensions could include Oadby, Wigston and towards Loughborough along the A6.
Estimates suggest the original line would cost £300 million with between 10 and 12 trams an hour running. The tram would carry approximately 190 passengers.
Trams would be given priority at the junction of the A6 and A563 at Oadby Racecourse whilst considerable changes to road layout in London Road outside the railway station would also be needed. The bridge at this location would possibly require rebuilding as well.
The plans have been met be scepticism by local councillors though. Cllr Nicholas Rushton, county council cabinet member for transport, said: “I would have thought that £300 million would be the absolute minimum. The thing about the tram system is it is essential if the town is passed out there, but how you get it into Leicester I don't know. How do you get it into the city centre without demolishing the whole of London Road?"
Cllr Pete Coley, city council Liberal Democrat group leader, added: “How realistic is this figure? A tram system in Nottingham cost much more than this."
However, Ruairidh Jackson, head of planning and property strategy for The Co-Operative Group, replied: “The calculations we've done, we think, are fair and accurate. The Nottingham tram route was wholly in the urban area and when you are laying a tram onto an existing road system it is very expensive per square metre. The difference for us is that more than a third of the total route from the town to the city will be on our own land."
The line would likely be funded jointly by the Co-op, central government and the local council. Co-op are prepared to contribute £40 million to the construction and £5 million to the development with Leicester City Council funding £35 million with the remaining £225 million wanted from Whitehall.
* The plans for trams in Leicester has not been met with universal support in and around the city. An opinion article in the Leicester Mercury entitled “Tram Network for our city – is it realistic?” is available to read here.
Source: This is Leicestershire