Improvements to the Castle Line rail corridor in the East Midlands would boost economic growth in tourism and hospitality sectors, according to the latest research.
The Castle Line is an important route linking multiple key destinations – Nottingham, a business and nightlife hotspot, renowned for the historic legend of Robin Hood, Lincoln, a historic cathedral-city, and Newark, a quaint market town.
Midlands Connect submitted plans to upgrade the route, to the Department for Transport last year. The proposals include increasing the line speed from predominantly 50mph to 75mph, with a long-term aim to double the frequency of services in the future.
A recent report titled ‘Tourism on Track’ explores how improved connections to the East Midlands would expand the visitor bases of these hotspots, shift the demographic groups attracted to the area and reduce car use.
Hamish Falconer, MP for Lincoln, said: “I wholeheartedly support Midlands Connect’s outline business case for funding to improve the Castle Line from Nottingham to Lincoln, allowing for faster and more frequent trains along the route.
“Lincoln has a lot to offer its visitors, with sites of major historic significance, as well as a bustling network of medieval streets, packed with quaint pubs and charming independent shops. But it is clear that the state of the city’s rail links has become a barrier to the city’s growth as a competitive tourist destination.
“Visitors are a major driver of our local economy, and by investing in the Castle Line rail upgrades – better connecting Lincoln to the wider Midlands and East Coast main line – we would support our tourism industry to flourish.
“Midlands Connect’s plans have my full support, and I hope to see the project progress.”
Tourism stakeholders in the East Midlands outlined concern that the current rail provision between Lincoln and Nottingham is presenting a challenge to the tourism and hospitality sectors in both cities.
The research found these sentiments were shared by rail customers who referenced issues such as slow, crowded and infrequent trains, affecting the appeal of using the trains for tourism.
Current timetable re-structuring is providing the opportunity to increase to two services an hour between Nottingham and Lincoln and these plans are also being considered.
Claire Ward, Mayor of the East Midlands, said: “Investing in the Castle Line rail corridor will be a significant step forward for the East Midlands’ visitor economy.
“By improving the speed and frequency of services between key destinations like Nottingham, Lincoln, and Newark, we will unlock new opportunities for tourism growth across the region.
“This investment would not only attract more visitors to our historic cities and market towns, boosting local businesses in hospitality and leisure, but also support sustainable travel options, reducing car use and enhancing the overall visitor experience.
“The East Midlands is rich in culture, history, and natural beauty, and better rail connections will ensure more people can enjoy everything we have to offer.”
