£2.54million was specifically mentioned by Rachel Reeves yesterday - so no "confirmed" needed in quotes.

The new estate will be about 3 miles from Kemble so absolutely prime territory for cycling. But I wonder if the Coventry VLR trials will tip the balance in future (insert usual gadgetbahn disclaimer here).

June 2025:

11 June – Chancellor’s Spending Review: The Portishead line is a comparatively small project so would probably not merit mention. The project has been waiting since last summer for the Chancellor’s spending review to complete. The Dept. for Transport capital expenditure budget has been increased by 3.9%, so PRG’s view is that there is now no reason why the DfT^» (Department for Transport - about) can’t sign off the funding for Portishead. We should have clarity very soon and confirmation that the funding is all now released and construction can start.

4 June: The Government announcement on 4 June of £750m investment in transport for the West of England does not relate to the reopening of the Portishead line. The new funding is part of a five-year funding allocation from 2027/28 to 2031/32.

West welcomes record transport funding

Leaders across the region have today welcomed more than three-quarters of a billion pounds set to be invested in transport projects in the West. The Chancellor has announced plans to more than double investment in local transport in England’s city regions, committing to “investment in all parts of the country, not just a few.”

Around £150 million would further improve rail infrastructure across the region and support ambitions for four trains per hour across our growing suburban rail network, including between economic growth zones like Brabazon and Bristol Temple Quarter.

With the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority area already benefitting from a nearly 50% increase in funding to fix potholes this year compared to last year, we are paving the way to the future. Continued funding through transport settlements is supporting the maintenance and enhancement of roads, bridges, and active travel routes. These essential improvements – delivered through close collaboration between local councils and the Mayoral Combined Authority – are not just about upkeep; they’re enabling the long-term transformation of how people move around the region.

This news comes just a day after the opening of Bristol’s first electric bus depot in Hengrove, with electrification set to take place in Bath and Lawrence Hill next year. More than 250 new electric buses are set to serve bus passengers across our region next year. Some £200 million of the new funding from the Treasury would provide scope to improve and extend services, transform the network, and deliver an electric fleet and the associated charging infrastructure.

Significant funding, in the region of £200 million, would enable mass transit development between Bath, Bristol, South Gloucestershire, and North Somerset. Trams, an extension of the popular Metrobus services, rail, light rail, and guided buses are all currently on the table. In the autumn, a new transport vision will set out the long-term direction of travel for the West of England.

 

Welcoming the news one month after she became Mayor, Helen Godwin, the new Mayor of the West of England, said:

“Our region has a strong economy overall, but we know that congestion has held the West of England back from achieving its full potential. We’ve been stuck in the slow lane on transport for too long. Our potential additional contribution to the national economy is enormous. It’s time to invest in the West and unlock that growth.  

“I promised to work with government and get the West of England moving. Three-quarters of a billion pounds of new money for transport will do just that, as we start a new chapter for our region. Together, we need to accelerate plans to secure better buses, deliver more trains and railway stations, and give local people proper alternatives to their cars. Trams, Metrobuses, rail, light rail, and guided buses are all on the table to make that a reality.

“Over the years, as a region, we’ve talked too much about mass transit and delivered too little. It’s finally time to deliver a mass transit system that people can rely on. Working with the new government, and with genuine collaboration between local councils, it’s time for real change.”

 

Sarah Warren, Deputy Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Sustainable Bath and North East Somerset, said:

“This investment marks a turning point for sustainable transport in our region. It is a huge opportunity to deliver a cleaner, greener and more connected future that our communities deserve. From progressing mass transit options to electrifying our bus fleet across Bath & North East Somerset, this investment will help us tackle costly congestion, achieve our net zero targets, and make it easier for people to choose public transport, walking and cycling. On top of the work that’s already being achieved in B&NES, this is welcome news for our region. We look forward to working with our regional partners to deliver a transport system fit for the 21st century.”

 

Councillor Tony Dyer, Leader of Bristol City Council, said:

“This fresh investment is very welcome and allows us to finally begin to achieve the regional mass transit system we've needed for so long. Our plans are already in place to make our bus networks more available, to expand the reach and access of rail and to connect the communities of Bristol with opportunities in our city and the wider West of England. This new funding will allow us to get on with creating the transport system Bristol is crying out for.

“I look forward to working with Helen and my fellow leaders to deliver for the people in our region.”

 

Councillor Maggie Tyrrell, Leader of South Gloucestershire Council, said:

“We’re very pleased to see this significant funding coming to the West of England that will help us move towards a fully integrated public transport system that works for residents and businesses. Investment in the region’s transport infrastructure is vital to help people keep moving around the area and we need better, more reliable bus services, more trains, and a mass transit system to offer more effective and sustainable travel choices.”

 

Cllr Mike Bell, the Leader of North Somerset Council, said:

“I welcome this funding as a positive step forward for our region. It’s vital that North Somerset benefits from mass transit development, which has the potential to transform how people travel and support our transition to a greener, more connected future. I’m committed to working closely with the Mayor and our partners to improve transport, unlock growth, and ensure our local economy continues to thrive.”

 

The new government set out the record settlement to the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority through Transport for City Regions as part of the Plan for Change, ahead of next week’s Spending Review.

The West of England delivered the strongest recent growth of any combined authority area (3%, 2023). The region is also predicted to achieve double the national forecast rate of productivity growth by 2040.

Nothing for Devon & Cornwall - Quelle surprise!

How about this for an idea? Since our government has decided that it can spend £15Bn, of our money, on transport projects why not complete the section of GWML^▸ (Great Western Main Line) Electrification between Chippenham (ish) and Bristol. A better service for passengers, Ed Miliband would be very pleased with the reduction in diesel emissions, and the NIMBY's in Bath aren't going to vote for you anyway so you can just tell them, politely, to go away.

GCCC signs non-binding Heads of Terms to explore land for potential development

28 April 2025

Gloucestershire County Cricket Club has today announced the signing of a non-binding Heads of Terms agreement which will enable it to explore an area of land for potential development of a new home for the Club.

The Club first announced its intention to explore alternative sites for a possible relocation in December 2023. Today’s announcement does not tie the Club into a legal arrangement but maintains momentum on productive conversations that have taken place over a number of months.

The site in question – Swanmoor Stoke – is situated near landmarks such as The Wave, Bristol Golf Club and Wild Place Project in South Gloucestershire and is less than a mile from both Junction 17 of the M5 and the proposed new junction off the M49. It is also less than a mile from Pilning railway station (which would require updating). The wider area has undergone material residential development of late and more is planned.

As the crow flies, the site is under five miles from GCCC’s Seat Unique Stadium.

Whilst the Club will continue its discussions with the owners of other possible sites its primary focus for the coming months will be in developing opportunities at Swanmoor Stoke.

Whatever the outcome of those discussions, the Seat Unique Stadium at Nevil Road will continue to serve as the County’s home for the foreseeable future, with the Club having secured international match-hosting rights each year in Bristol from the ECB until 2032. The Club is finalising plans to upgrade areas of the ground over the coming seasons to ensure compliance with ECB major match host requirements and that the Member and customer experience is prioritised.

Club Chair, Peter Matthews, said:

“We know that the subject of a prospective ground move is important to our Members, local residents and stakeholders, and we are committed to communicate any developments with all concerned at the earliest possible opportunity.

“Whilst today’s announcement shows continued momentum in our search for a possible new home, it doesn’t materially change the status quo. We are not tied into any legal deal and whilst the Board-appointed team will continue to work up the Club’s options in line with the non-binding Heads of Terms, the entirety of our executive team will remain focused on running the Club and making the Seat Unique Stadium a welcoming and enjoyable year-round destination for matches and events.

“It is important to stress that there is much detailed work to do before we can put specific proposals to the Board for its consideration. So, whilst this looks like a tremendous opportunity, the project is still at concept stage. We will be hosting a number of Member and resident-focussed events in the weeks and months to come and we will be happy to answer questions that may arise at those sessions.”