Local transport hubs in the Portsmouth city region will receive almost £56 million from the Transforming Cities Fund to transform how residents use and access the city, Transport Minister Baroness Vere has announced today, 28th September 2020.
The money will help overhaul local transport links to boost the local economy, opening up jobs, services and giving residents greater access to the city. Funding will go towards a range of key local projects including the much-needed relocation of Gosport bus station and taxi rank and the development of new and upgraded walking and cycling routes.
The Ryde transport hub in the Isle of Wight is also set to benefit from new links for cycling and walking and the realignment of the current bus interchange which will mean both tourists and residents can cut time off their journeys.
Transport Minister, Baroness Vere said: “This money will make a real difference to the everyday lives of Portsmouth and South East Hampshire residents. The Transforming Cities Fund allows cities across the UK to enhance their local transport networks, opening up access to jobs and services.”
“We’re committed to levelling up transport infrastructure across the country, boosting local economies and enhancing local connectivity. This multi-million-pound investment in Portsmouth and the surrounding area will do just that, helping the area build back better from COVID-19.”
Alongside the specific projects already mentioned, Portsmouth City Council has also proposed using the money to build new bus lanes and bus links around Portsmouth itself, enhancing vital connections for those that use the network.
The proposed improvements to local transport are expected to offer greener transport links to local residents and boost employment levels for people in the region through better connectivity, delivering on the government’s commitment to ‘level up’ the entire country, including through more access to opportunity.
The TCF was set up to build on transport links and boost local economies within city regions, and it’s hoped the funding package will help Portsmouth and South East Hampshire bounce back from the economic impact of coronavirus.
Today’s announcement follows a previous grant of £4 million awarded to Portsmouth City Council last year.