New bus station for Radcliffe town centre

A new bus station to boost the ongoing regeneration of Radcliffe town centre is one step nearer.

Planning approval had previously been given for a new bus station next to Dale Street but Bury Council and Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) have now submitted plans for a significantly upgraded project.

Under the new plans, the station will have increased capacity, while passengers will benefit from new purpose-built shelters (including live travel information and CCTV), increased levels of comfort and security plus high-quality upgrades to the surrounding environment including stepped seating areas, disabled access ramps, and high-quality planting.

The project comes hot on the heels of the recently completed refurbishment of Radcliffe Market Hall, which opened its doors for trading in December 2014 and has been very well received by traders and customers alike.

Funding for the project has already been secured, and works on the new bus station – subject to planning permission - will start in late March or early April 2015 with the new station being fully operational by November.

The new bus station is the second of three major refurbishment projects planned by Bury Council for Radcliffe town centre, following the refurbished market hall. The third phase will involve the demolition of the existing bus station site and unsurfaced car park, in readiness for a new retail-led development designed to ‘knit together’ the town centre elements of its piazza, market hall, bus station and the Asda store across Pilkington Way.

Councillor Mike Connolly, leader of Bury Council, said: “The regeneration of Radcliffe town centre has been a key priority of the council, and these plans for the bus station are clear evidence of our commitment to the people of Radcliffe.

“Following the completion of the market hall renovation, we’re continuing to make our vision a reality with the new bus station and retail scheme, which should be built next year.

“We’ve already had great feedback about the market, and considerable interest expressed in the proposed retail scheme. I hope to be making more good news announcements in the coming months about further investment into Radcliffe.”

Councillor Andrew Fender, TfGM Committee Chair, said: “The new bus station is good news for Radcliffe and shows our commitment to continually improve the transport infrastructure across Greater Manchester and beyond.

“Once complete, the new bus station will provide a modern, high quality gateway to the town centre for bus passengers, improving public transport links to jobs, education and leisure in the Radcliffe area.”

ENDS

Press release issued: 19 January 2015.

Picture: An artist’s impression of the new Radcliffe bus station.