Hundreds of millions approved to boost transport and growth

East Midlands Combined County Authority has approved hundreds of millions of pounds worth of investment focused on transport and growth.

EMCCA’s board has backed £298 million from Mayor Claire Ward’s Mayoral Transport Fund for projects including new electric buses, upgraded bus stations, transport hubs, cycle routes and real-time passenger information systems.

The funding package covers Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, with schemes aimed at improving connectivity, reducing delays and modernising public transport infrastructure.

It includes investment in new electric buses to be operated by trentbarton, while funding has been earmarked for improvements to Derby Bus Station, upgrades to 120 bus stops and the early design phase of several walking and cycling schemes.

The projects will now undergo further due diligence before progressing to delivery.

Mayor Claire said: “I am committing a further £298 million from my Mayoral Transport Fund to create the reliable, safe, and accessible transport network that our region needs.

“By improving key bus routes, upgrading bus stops and stations, and enhancing active travel networks, we’re helping communities to be better connected to jobs, training opportunities, and each other.”

The latest funding follows the approval of a separate £470 million transport investment package by EMCCA in March, taking total transport commitments announced this year to almost £770 million.

Meanwhile, the EMCCA board has also approved a £107 million Local Growth Fund designed to support business growth, regeneration, skills and innovation across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire over the next five years.

The investment programme will run from 2026 to 2030 and forms part of plans to deliver the region’s wider Local Growth Plan.

The largest allocation, £32 million, will be used to unlock strategic sites for housing, regeneration and employment growth, funding infrastructure improvements, land remediation, flood mitigation and utilities provision.

A further £21 million will support business growth through an expanded business support offer, a new Business Investment Fund and assistance for SMEs looking to improve energy resilience.

Around £17 million has been earmarked for skills and employment initiatives, including an “Opportunity Escalator” programme aimed at helping people into work and improving links between employers, training providers and jobseekers.

The authority has also committed £12 million to innovation and cluster development in advanced manufacturing and clean energy, while £20 million will support community-focused projects including digital connectivity, town centre regeneration, rural development and community energy schemes.

Mayor Claire said: “This £107 million investment plan is a major opportunity to accelerate delivery of our Local Growth Plan and ensure the East Midlands is a region where people and businesses can thrive.”