Ambition 7 Attracting investment in infrastructure, the economy and green growth
We want to raise the national and international profile of Nottinghamshire and create the right conditions for investment and economic growth.
Nottinghamshire’s economy is changing in response to Brexit, the pandemic and the UK’s commitment to cut carbon emissions 78% by 2035, and we know that investment will be key to growing our economy and creating high-quality jobs.
We’ll focus on using our influence and powers to support green growth across Nottinghamshire’s businesses, and secure investment in major projects like HS2 and the East Midlands Freeport. As we grow, we’ll work to protect our natural and historic environments, and reduce our carbon footprint. We’ll also make sure that all development is supported by community facilities – like schools and public transport links. And, we’ll promote initiatives that open up more opportunities for our residents, especially where the need is greatest. We know we can grow green and improve jobs, opportunities and quality of life for everyone, supporting a bright and prosperous future for Nottinghamshire.
The Big Notts Survey
- Over 1 in 4 (27%) people ranked better access to job opportunities as one of their top priorities for Nottinghamshire. A similar proportion (26%) of young people said the same.
- Just under 1 in 5 (19%) people thought lower pollution/better air quality was one of the factors that would make Nottinghamshire a better place to live.
Over the next four years we will:
Promote and drive the East Midlands Development Corporation, HS2, the Toton Campus and other major infrastructure projects
We’ll ensure our residents and businesses benefit from major infrastructure projects. These include HS2, to connect Nottinghamshire with major UK cities, and the Toton Innovation Campus, which will create thousands of new jobs. We’ll also play a key role in driving the East Midlands Development Corporation, which brings together three landmark developments in our region: the Toton and Chetwynd East Midlands Hub, East Midlands Airport area and the Ratcliffe-on-Soar Power Station site.
Promote the delivery of the East Midlands Freeport
We’ll work with our partners to deliver the East Midlands Freeport, an economic zone that can boost our region’s manufacturing and economy and deliver new jobs. We’ll make sure the right infrastructure is in place, so all our residents can benefit from the project.
Maximise the future use of major assets within the County
With the owners of Nottinghamshire’s coal-fired power stations, we’ll plan long-term futures for them to secure investment and create new jobs. We’ll also continue working with our partners on technological innovations like Spherical Tokamak Energy Production (fusion power) to benefit Nottinghamshire’s economy and environment.
Continue to deliver our major sites development programme at Lyndhurst and Top Wighay Farm
We’ll continue to develop our major sites, boosting housing and job opportunities. We’ll develop Top Wighay Farm as a blueprint for sustainable living in Nottinghamshire, and will develop more sites over the coming years to supply quality housing for our residents and new job opportunities.
Protect our natural environment when new infrastructure is developed
We’ll ensure major infrastructure developments prioritise the environment and sustainability, improve biodiversity, and minimise carbon emissions.
Help businesses to adopt low carbon practices
We’ll connect businesses with the technical advice and financial support they need to lower their carbon impact as they grow. This could include making carbon-neutral investments or using energy more efficiently.
Drive the development of green technologies
We’ll drive new green technologies that protect our environment and reduce carbon emissions. With our communities, partners, universities and businesses, we’ll work on new technologies and carbon neutral solutions that could be developed for a wider global market, and deliver local jobs too.
In 2024-25, to achieve this, we will deliver the following actions:
Collaborate with Partners (such as Districts and Boroughs, East Midlands Development Corporation and the Freeport) to access funding available for ‘levelling up’ and to attract other investment in priority areas.
We will support the delivery of these developments/initiatives that will create the conditions and opportunities for residents to thrive and prosper. So that we secure long term major public and private investment, jobs and increased prosperity for Nottinghamshire.
Identify, scope, secure funding, facilitate and/or deliver large-scale infrastructure projects, such as the A614/A6097 corridor improvement, A46, Robin Hood Rail Line and Maid Marian Rail Line.
So that the County’s infrastructure supports economic growth and prosperity.
Support new and existing businesses with introducing green technologies and their journey to net zero, including the Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) Fusion programme in North Nottinghamshire.
So that we generate jobs, growth, and opportunities for local people, as well as supporting established businesses in Nottinghamshire.
To find out more about what we’ve got planned for the current year, you can read our full Annual Delivery Plan 2024-2025 [PDF].