Broxtowe Borough Council have been successful in their application to the Government’s Levelling Up Fund and have secured a £16.5million investment for Kimberley. The bid was produced in collaboration by Broxtowe Borough Council, working with Kimberley Town Council, and local groups – including the Friends of Bennerley Viaduct.
The investment will fund a range of interventions in Kimberley. These include a town centre improvement project and new industrial units and sports facilities.
It is very good news for Bennerley Viaduct. An integral part of the bid is a neew active travel route that will link up Kimberly with Eastwood, Giltbrook, Phoenix Park and the eastern end of Bennerley Viaduct. Even better new, it will also fund the construction of an accessible eastern ramp for the viaduct.
Work has already begun, with some initial tree felling, and work with planning and design consultants. We hope that the ramp will be in place, making Bennerley Viaduct accessible to all – and much easier for cyclists – by the end of 2023.
The Friends of Bennerley Viaduct are also exploring what other visitor facilities could be created by this investment: a car park, picnic area, visitor toilets, cafe, or complete visitor centre, are all being costed and consulted on.
We will continue to share updates via our website and social media as the project progresses. We are working with a specialist conversation-focused engineering company on the design of the ramp, and with an ecologist to ensure a minimal impact on the nature and wildlife at the site.
We are grateful to the good relationships we have with Broxtowe Borough Council, Kimberley Town Council, Darren Henry MP, and Harworth Estates, all of whom are instrumental in making an eastern ramp possible.
If you have any questions, please contact:
Friends of Bennerley Viaduct: info@bennerleyviaduct.org.uk
Broxtowe Borough Council: economic.development@broxtowe.gov.uk
