A design by Stephen George + Partners LLP (SGP) is moving closer to a Spring 2020 planning submission with the launch of a public consultation programme by West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Calderdale Council
Plans and visuals for the £15.4m bus station in Halifax are being shared with stakeholders and members of the public, and a series of pop-up, drop-in and static displays has been held across the town.
Says Alistair Branch, Studio Director at SGP: “The bus station redevelopment provides a fantastic opportunity to sensitively integrate a number of important listed heritage structures within a modern bus concourse facility, enhancing accessibility to the town centre and providing a state-of-the-art facility which meets the aspirations of the client, operators and key stakeholders.
Accessibility and safety are central to the design and the innovative move to provide a centralised bus concourse serving all stands which traverses the sloping site has provided the best solution to satisfy clients’ requirements. Early engagement with the local accessibility group has provided extremely positive feedback for the plans.
This is another significant transport commission where SGP will be providing full architectural and project delivery services for client West Yorkshire Combined Authority, working with Aecom to redevelop the existing bus station, improving passenger experience, waiting areas, retail and information facilities”.
Kirsty James, Technical Director, Aecom, said: “The new bus station will be a significant improvement for public transport users in Halifax. AECOM are proud to be working with SGP to deliver this project on behalf of West Yorkshire Combined Authority.”
In addition to delivering an efficient interchange that will encourage bus use across the region, the scheme’s improved pedestrian and cycling provision will also contribute to the Leeds City Region’s objective to be carbon neutral by 2038. Plans for the new station include the use of environmentally friendly building materials, energy efficiency measures including LED lights and energy saving glazing, solar panels, and provision of infrastructure to support future charge points for electric buses and cycles.
When the consultation was launched in January, Cllr Kim Groves, Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Transport Committee said: “Good services and high-quality facilities that attract more people to want to use local buses are key to us accomplishing the Combined Authority’s economic and environmental goals by reducing congestion and the CO2 emissions it causes.
“A new bus station in Halifax would help to achieve this as well as providing huge support for local job creation. It would underpin new and expanded local businesses, learning opportunities, the development of commercial units and housing construction.”
Concludes Alistair Branch: “Halifax Bus Station is a once in a generation project, aiming to reduce congestion, enhance public spaces and promote economic activity across the West Yorkshire region.”
The public consultation closes on Wednesday 12 February, with the results informing a detailed design that will be submitted in March. The project is planned to complete by March 2023.