Nottingham's phase two tram extension approved

The new lines will extend the tram network to Queen's Medical Centre

The proposed phase two extension of Nottingham's tram network has been agreed by the government.

Construction of the two new lines, which will extend the tram system to Chilwell and Clifton, could begin by the end of the year.

The government has approved the project after Nottingham City Council negotiated savings from two companies bidding for the contract.

However, the city council refused to say what the cost or savings were.

It claimed the savings had been made without altering the project, following negotiations with Tramlink Nottingham and Arrow Connect, the companies bidding for the extensions to Chilwell and Clifton.

'New jobs'

Nottingham City Council's Chief Executive Jane Todd said: "This is a very positive development.

"A preferred bidder will now be appointed in the very near future who will work with the council to finalise contracts which will hopefully be signed later in the summer.

"This is crucial for the future of Nottingham's economy and to attract new jobs to the city."

If construction begins this year the extended Nottingham Express Transit (NET) network could be fully operational by 2014.

NET Line One, the first part of the network, began operating in March 2004 and runs between Hucknall and Nottingham city centre with a spur to Phoenix Park, just off the M1 motorway.

NET Phase Two comprises two routes - Clifton via Wilford, known as Line Two, and Chilwell via Queens Medical Centre and Beeston, known as Line Three.