Back in January 2022, in response to proposed infrastructure changes on Nottingham Road, our Chair, Ken, commented on the state of the shopping area along Nottingham Road in Chaddesden.
“The shops are built around a somewhat haphazard parking area with footways in front of the shops and beside the road, giving the feeling that cars are the only means of transport for customers to these shops.“
He’s not wrong. This was my attempt at securing my bike.
Ken continues..
“Supermarkets abound with convenience stores and take-aways regularly interspersed. These are places that people go to obtain something and then drive away. There is no reason to visit the shops for anything other than to get those essentials. The environment is unfriendly to anyone other than drivers, being dominated by car parking. There is little to encourage shoppers to linger, relax and socialise.”
EV Charging
Fast forward to August 2023, Derby City Council launched a consultation on “Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure” and ran a survey to collect residents’ views. This led to the installation of electric vehicle chargers in the Six Streets area of Derby and off the back of this, it has recently been announced a mobility hub will be created in the shopping area in Chaddesden.
It’s not clear from the sketch whether the EV charging bays themselves will be fully accessible to all users, but the splayed bays on the curve at least give additional space compared to bays in a straight line.
Pocket Parks
One of Ken’s observations was that there isn’t anywhere really to sit outside in the area. A small parklet incorporating ramped access, planters and seating is proposed as part of the mobility hub.
One particular concern from a few of our forum members was that the pocket park may impeded access between the proposed Nottingham Road Cycleway and the cycle stands. It is unclear from the sketches alone so we must retain faith that the designers have considered unimpeded access.
The cycle storage would be simple Sheffield-type stands that would be uncovered but no special consideration will be made for non-standard cycles.
Cycle Storage
In conversation with an officer from Derby City Council, it was mentioned that covered cycle parking may be provided at the opposite end of the shopping area – There is ample space for what could be a really decent-sized cycle storage facility. One drawback is that it’s out of the line of sight for anyone using the shopping area.
Ken’s closing remarks
“There is an opportunity to revitalise the shopping area, making it a destination for people to walk or ride to for a cup or coffee and socialise. This could start with reducing the speed of vehicles through the shopping area to 20 mph. Placing speed tables at either end then replacing the road surface with brick, to emphasise the speed restriction and that vulnerable users are moving around the area. Parking should be separated into small locations surrounded by paved areas, to increase the feeling of space, fresh air and peace. Seating areas should be introduced around the shopping centre with planters and other trees, all of which are maintained to a high standard. Encouragement should be given for cafes with outside seating areas, local butchers and bakers and micro pubs, to develop local businesses and engagement with the community. “The road should be realigned and consideration to remove the traffic lights in favour of a roundabout. “