The Light Rail Transit Association (LRTA) has submitted a detailed proposal for a modern tramway network in Derby.

It has been compiled by David Gibson, LRTA’s regional officer for the East Midlands, in response to the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) mayor’s transport consultation.

The proposed network, which has been costed at £505m, is designed to connect Derby’s major traffic generators with its principal residential areas, significantly improving mobility while supporting economic growth, regeneration, and environmental objectives across the wider Derby area.

The proposal comprises four tram lines:

Line 1 would run from The Wyvern, via Pride Park, Derby Midland Station, the city centre, and the former Great Northern alignment to Kingsway, before forming a loop serving the Royal Derby Hospital, Mickleover, and Mackworth.

Line 2 would connect with Line 1 at Derby Midland Station, follow the Birmingham railway corridor, and serve the Rolls-Royce Sinfin site, Infinity Park, Shelton Lock, Chellaston, Boulton Moor, Alvaston, and Raynesway, before reconnecting with Line 1 at The Wyvern.

Line 3 would branch from Line 1 at Willow Row, run through the West End to the University of Derby sites in the Markeaton area, serve the Kedleston Road campus, and continue to a loop around Allestree.

Line 4 would run from The Wyvern and connect with Nottingham Express Transit (NET) at Toton Lane, serving Spondon, Borrowash, Draycott, Breaston, and Long Eaton.

The full network would be expected to attract approximately 75,000 passenger trips per day, with the majority coming from former car users. This modal shift would make a major contribution to reducing congestion while helping to rejuvenate Derby city centre.

The LRTA says a tram system of this scale would be “significantly cheaper” than the reported £650m A38 Derby Junctions road scheme, while delivering “far greater benefits” in terms of economic productivity, accessibility, and environmental performance.

The proposal costs phase one, lines 1 and 4, at around £300m. This would be the cost of building the actual tramway  and allowing 50% extra for other costs such as site clearance, planning and design. The construction of a Line 2 would be around  £160m and Line 3 £45m.

David Andrews, chair of the LRTA Campaigns Group, said “The LRTA believes that a Derby tram network would represent a transformational investment, delivering long-term benefits for residents, businesses, and the wider East Midlands region.

Click here to view the full proposal.