Issue - meetings

Report of the Director of Innovation

The Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Innovation, which sought approval to let a contract for the construction and operation of a 220m long single track demonstrator of Coventry’s Very Light Rail on Greyfriars Road and Queen Victoria Road.

The report indicated that, following successful development and trials of track and vehicle, Coventry’s groundbreaking Very Light Rail is now ready to be tested in an on road live environment.  This would be a crucial step in the Council’s mission to develop and deliver an affordable tram system with a target cost of £10m/km. 

The initial section of track, a 220m track on Greyfriars Road and Queen Victoria Road, would test the track and vehicle in a live setting and is intended to be completed in Spring 2025, with the vehicle in operation for a four week period.  This would provide an opportunity for local people, along with other interested parties, to rid on the vehicle in a controlled environment and provide feedback. 

The purpose of the on street showcase / or demonstrator is to:

·  Trial and optimise installation methods on a live road;

·  Prove that the track can be installed in significantly less time and at a much reduced cost compared to conventional tram systems;

·  Provide assurance to utility companies that it is possible for their apparatus to remain under the track;

·  Monitor and collect data on track performance;

·  Stimulate commercial interest.

RESOLVED that, the Cabinet recommend that Council:

1.  Provide approval to proceed with the installation and operation of the four week on road test in Greyfriars Road / Queen Victoria Road, which is funded within the existing Coventry Very Light Rail approved budget.

2.  Provide approval to proceed with securing the necessary Statutory approvals to construct the on road test in Greyfriars Road / Queen Victoria Road.

3.  Delegate authority to the Director of Law and Governance, the Director of Finance and Resources and the Director of Innovation, following consultation with the Cabinet Member for Jobs, Regeneration and Climate Change, to enter into all necessary legal agreements for the on road test in Greyfriars Road / Queen Victoria Road.

4.  Delegate authority to the Director of Law and Governance, the Director of Finance and Resources and the Director of Innovation, following consultation with the Cabinet Member for Jobs, Regeneration and Climate Change, to agree the award of contract(s) and for the Council to enter into all necessary contracts, including but not limited to construct and operate the on road test in Greyfriars Road / Queen Victoria Road.

5.  Delegate authority to the Director of Law and Governance, the Director of Finance and Resources and the Director of Innovation, following consultation with the Cabinet Member for Jobs, Regeneration and Climate Change, to enter into the appropriate lease agreements for associated infrastructure required to deliver and promote the Coventry Very Light Rail system.