Councillor Carmel Swan, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Transport and Sustainability, reflects on a year of progress for the Councils transport plans and green ambitions.
This year marked significant progress in our Climate Change, Transport, and Sustainability efforts in Derby, driving toward a greener, better-connected city.
The launch of the Green Rewards platform in March saw hundreds of residents engaged in climate-friendly activities. Spondon won the first ward competition and received thousands of spring bulbs as a reward. The second competition was won by Arboretum, where a new pocket park will be installed in 2026.
The Council’s Home Energy Advice Service has positively impacted over 270 households since April, reducing energy bills and cutting down 126.5 tonnes of CO2 emissions through sustainable home upgrades.
Major infrastructure work began with the Derby Riverside project, the next phase of the Our City, Our River scheme. Following the contract agreement with John Sisk and Son in May, ground clearance and building demolitions have progressed rapidly along Stuart Street and Exeter Embankment.
Our mission to create a greener transport network saw substantial advancements. Cycle lane and traffic light improvements were completed on Nottingham Road, while the first phase of a signal overhaul at Five Lamps was completed, promising more efficient movement.
Responding to public calls for a greener city, new planters have been installed around the city. These additions not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of the streets but also support local biodiversity and create a more resilient urban environment.
We’ve also embraced technology to transform multi-operator travel across Derby and Nottingham. The Ride app has integrated multi-operator travel (buses, trains, trams, walking, and cycling) across the two cities.
The New Year promises more of the same. Backed by the East Midlands Combined County Authority, further enhancements are planned. From January we’ll be conducting surveys at Spondon Island and London Road to help inform future schemes, while junction improvement works will begin on the A514 at Merrill Way.
As we move into 2026, I remain committed to creating a greener and better-connected city for the people of Derby, and I look forward to seeing all that we have planned come to life.