Why Should We Trust Labour's New "Vision" When The Last One Never Showed Up
Liberal Democrats welcome Vision 2050 but say Nottingham needs accountability and a council leader who knows what city she’s running.
Nottingham Liberal Democrats have warned that Labour’s Vision 2050 document risks becoming another glossy brochure full of promises and light on delivery. (you can read the document here)
The party says residents are being asked to trust another 25-year plan without any proper explanation of what happened to the last one.
Vision 2050 echoes earlier plans including the 2013 City Deal, which promised regeneration, innovation and growth. Many of the same promises are now being repeated.
Thirteen years on, the slogans have changed but the promises have not.
“There are things to welcome in the document,” said Lloydie James Lloyd, campaigns co-ordinator for Nottingham Liberal Democrats.
“But let’s be honest, this is the same story on repeat.
“Before launching Vision 2050, Labour should explain what happened to Vision 2030.
“Residents have been promised transformation for years. They deserve clarity on what was delivered, what was not, and what has changed.”
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GLOSSY VISION, DIFFERENT REALITY
Labour launched its new plan at a property investment event, focusing heavily on selling Nottingham to investors.
The Liberal Democrats say there is a growing gap between the city being promoted and the reality residents experience every day.
“Investment matters,” said Lloydie James Lloyd.
“But residents do not live in a brochure.
“They live with potholes, rising council tax, litter, antisocial behaviour and stretched public services.
“The danger is Labour becomes more focused on marketing Nottingham than fixing Nottingham.”
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NOTTINGHAM IS NOT A CHEAPER MANCHESTER
Council Leader Neghat Khan said Nottingham wants to overtake Manchester and the West Midlands.
The Liberal Democrats say that is the wrong ambition.
“Nottingham does not need to be Manchester,” said Lloydie James Lloyd.
“It needs to be run properly.
“We have our own identity. The caves, the world’s oldest professional football club, a leading district heating network, and a city shaped by rebellion, innovation and culture.
“The moment you start copying other cities, you lose sight of what makes your own city worth investing in.”
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BROAD MARSH, YEARS OF DELAY AND MILLIONS SPENT
Labour’s Vision 2050 highlights Broad Marsh as a key regeneration site. Critics say the record behind it cannot be ignored.
Since 2020 the project has seen years of delay, repeated funding failures and a demolition bill now standing at £29.3 million.
Old Market Square tells a similar story. A major redesign less than 20 years ago is now being followed by another £4 million scheme.
Taken together, residents are facing tens of millions spent on stalled or repeated projects.
“Most organisations do not get handed the same project twice after spending millions the first time,” said Lloydie James Lloyd.
“Before asking for trust in another long-term vision, Labour needs to explain why delivery has failed so often in the past.”
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ENOUGH VISION. TIME FOR DELIVERY.
The Liberal Democrats say they support ambition for Broad Marsh and the wider city centre but want action now, not just long-term branding.
They are calling for Broad Marsh to become a vibrant neighbourhood for young professionals, graduates and key workers supporting independent businesses and cultural venues.
Alongside long-term plans, they want immediate action including:
• Two-year pavement licences for hospitality businesses
• Action on canal-side fly-tipping with the Canal and River Trust
• A late-night transport link for theatres and venues
• Regular use of the tram bridge amphitheatre
• A fix what you see approach to road repairs
They also want an independent delivery board with annual public reporting and clear milestones.
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AMBITION IS NOT THE PROBLEM. DELIVERY IS.
“We are not against ambition,” said Lloydie James Lloyd.
“We are against endless rebranding without results.
“Nottingham has already seen Robin Hood Energy collapse. It has seen financial crisis in the council. It has seen flagship projects stall or drift.
“Now Labour is asking for trust in another 25-year plan.
“The question is not whether Nottingham deserves ambition.
“It is whether Labour can finally deliver it.”