Nottingham consortium to construct and operate two new tram lines, expanding the existing network by 17.5 km. The consortium includes Alstom, VINCI Investments (a UK subsidiary of VINCI PLC), Keolis and Wellglade (owners of local bus operator Trent Barton) and Meridiam and OFI Infravia as financial investors. As part of the contract, Tramlink Nottingham will also take over responsibility for the operation of the existing Nottingham Express Transit (NET) Line One which has been open since 2004, for the 23-year concession granted to the consortium.

Alstom’s share of the contract is worth around €350 million, including €120 million for maintenance. Alstom will draw on its worldwide expertise in infrastructure and turnkey projects for the construction of the new track, power, signalling and the supply and maintenance of 22 Citadis trams as well as the maintenance of the existing 15 Line One trams over the 23-year period.

This project will represent a major expansion of Nottingham’s tram system. When complete in 2014, the system will serve the largest employers in Greater Nottingham. The extension project (known as NET Phase Two) will be funded jointly by Nottingham City Council (circa 34%) and the British Government (circa 66%).

Henri Poupart-Lafarge, President of Alstom Transport, said : “We look forward to bringing together both Alstom’s international and local experience in the delivery of infrastructure, new trams and maintenance, and to help build this project for the city of Nottingham. This contract proves again the success of our Citadis tramway range which 37 cities throughout the world have selected to fulfil their public transport needs”.

Roger Harrison, Chairman of the Tramlink Nottingham consortium, said: “We are delighted to be working with the City Council to help bring to fruition Nottingham’s ambitious public transport plans. We have put together an extremely strong, world-class partnership and we are confident of being able to create a network which will not only be efficient and effective in terms of meeting the city’s transport needs but which will also help to take Nottingham’s international status to a new level.”