Town Centre Roadshows Start This Week
Road shows will be held in Bedford town centre as the project to build a brand new Bus Station and regenerate the surrounding area continues.
Bedford Bus Station is a major gateway to the town centre, with more than 12,000 people passing through it every day. However, it is widely acknowledged that the area is in need of improvement and Bedford Borough Council has worked successfully to enable the current regeneration project to take place.
On Monday 27th January the next stage of the development will begin. This involves the demolition of the bus station building and the construction of a brand new building, offering significantly improved facilities and a sleek, modern design.
The first Bus Station roadshow took place on Church Square today, with another one on the 22nd January (9.30am-3.30pm) and will offer bus users and others the opportunity to find out how the interim arrangements at the bus station may affect them.
Lib Dem Mayor of Bedford Borough, Dave Hodgson, said: "The Bus Station has let our town centre down for too long, and we are pleased to be making this crucial project for Bedford happen.
"The bus station deals with 12,000 people every day and we want to make sure everyone is informed about the improvement works and interim travel arrangements before they are introduced.
"We have worked closely with bus operators and user groups in order to minimise any potential disruption caused by the interim arrangements. I would urge anyone who uses Bedford Bus Station to come along to one of our road shows or visit the website to find out how the changes may affect them and their journey."
The construction of the new bus station building is a major project in the heart of Bedford town centre. During the works, the bus station building and bays 1-12 immediately in front of the building will be closed to the public. Therefore, the stops where some passengers are picked up and dropped off will change slightly. Similarly, disabled parking provision and taxi ranks will also be relocated with alternative local provision
In addition, the removal of four trees on Greenhill Street and Thurlow Street have been brought forward to allow access to the current building. This is scheduled to happen overnight on the 22nd, 23rd and 24th January and will involve lighting and machinery.
All trees will be replaced before the scheme is completed.
Maps explaining interim changes to bus stops, disabled parking and taxi ranks are now available on the Council website, www.bedford.gov.uk/busstation. Information will also be available on-site and in nearby bus shelters very shortly.
The redevelopment of Bedford bus station area has already seen a new surface car park and public toilets opened, while the refurbishment of Allhallows multi-storey car park is well underway and expected to be completed in the summer.
The new Bedford Bus Station was granted planning permission in June 2013 and the scheme is expected to be completed later this year.