Project progress

The Full Business Case contract with Arup’s team commenced at the end of December 2025. Early design planning including topographic, services and asset inspection surveys, geotechnical modelling, constraints mapping, will provide the foundation for the production of the detailed design drawings and specifications throughout the spring/summer.

Most environmental surveys are also planned for spring and summer '26, but preliminary bat and badger surveys have already taken place, as well as a baseline noise assessment.

After the detailed design is complete later in 2026, further environmental assessment will be undertaken. This is necessary to assess and manage impacts during construction, before the full business case is submitted for assurance.

We anticipate holding a series of community engagement events following the completion of the detailed design to provide an update of our proposals.

Funding update | We have now received confirmation that the project has been allocated £750k to continue through to the 2026/27 financial year. Although less than requested, it nevertheless allows the project to continue at its current pace and to make good progress.

Project Timeline | The Full Business Case is envisaged to be approved in summer 2027. This should enable preparation works to commence in late 2027. Phased construction is expected in 2028 with completion by late 2029.

Next Steps | The next key steps are:

• Ongoing ecological surveys
• Design Stage 1 review
• Progress Stage 2 design tasks, including earthworks modelling, specification preparation, drawings and design report.