News: Free parking spaces in Rotherham increasing to 1,000

Visitors to Rotherham will soon benefit from 1,000 free weekend parking spaces in the town centre.

From Saturday April 6, parking will be free on Saturdays in the Drummond Street and Wellgate Multi-storey car parks – as well as on Forge Island.

New parking incentives have been introduced over the years, but the authority has stopped short of offering free parking across the board.

Last year saw half the current free "red zone" spaces provided in Forge Island transferred to the Council's car park at Drummond Street where customers are entitled to one session of two hours free parking per day in a limited number of parking bays.

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Most town parking fees have been frozen again and previously introduced offers included visitors claiming two hours free parking at the expiration of a two hour session purchased in some town centre Council operated off-street car parks on Saturdays.

The cost of day parking is set to increase from £3 to £3.50 on Forge Island and in the temporary car park at The Statutes where regeneration proposals are moving ahead.

Spaces are set to be re-introduced on Forge Island now that the temporary bus station has closed and the revamped Interchange has re-opened.

The £12m refurb of Rotherham Interchange includes structural repairs and deck defect repairs to the multi-storey car park (pictured) as well as the painting of columns and ceilings to improve the visual appearance and new cladding, comprising a non-flammable expanded metal mesh mounted on a frame, fully covering the exterior of the car park.

Cllr. Denise Lelliott, Rotherham Council's Cabinet Member for Jobs and the Local Economy, said: "More permanent free parking at weekends will help shoppers and businesses alike.

"Shopping and spending leisure time in the town centre, including at the many cafés and restaurants, gives a vital boost to local businesses. If everyone spent just a few pounds locally each week, it would make a huge difference to Rotherham's businesses."

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News: Rotherham Interchange reopens after £12m refurb

Rotherham Interchange has reopened following a £12m refurbishment scheme.

As part of plans to regenerate Rotherham town centre, Interserve has carried out work on the site which had associated public safety issues and suffered a fire in 2016 which caused significant damage.

The South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE) holds a lease agreement with owners Norseman Estates Limited to maintain and operate the interchange and car park. The Sheffield City Region Combined Authority (CA) agreed to borrow £12.5m so that refurbishment of the important town centre asset could be carried out.

The ten-month closure incorporated 150,000 hours of construction work, using 10,000 litres of paint, and installing 11,000 floor tiles, 10km of electric cables, 3,800 sq m of cladding, 350 sheets of glass and twenty-one crates of solar panels to provide the building's energy needs.

Paul Ellenor, regional director for Interserve said: "We are delighted to be handing over the first phase of the Rotherham Interchange refurbishment project. The new facilities will provide an improved passenger experience and make a real difference to local residents. We look forward to continuing our relationship with Rotherham Council as it continues to invest in the town as part of its regeneration programme."

The car park above has new surfacing, larger parking bays and better pedestrian routes. 3,800 sq m of external cladding has been replaced and ten electric vehicle charging points have been installed.

Bus services have relocated back from the temporary station on Forge Island, where flood alleviation work is now due to get underway before the leisure-led regeneration scheme will bring a cinema, hotel and food and bevarage outlets to the key site.

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Cllr. Chris Read, leader of Rotherham Council (pictured, centre), said: "This facility is one of the major gateways into the town. It will enhance where we live, and benefit people arriving into the town centre via public transport. The refurbishment of the interchange follows the opening of the University Centre last summer. Both projects are major components of the town centre Masterplan, along with promoting sustainable travel, so it's great to see the Masterplan progressing as planned."

Stephen Edwards, executive director at SYPTE (pictured, right), said: "The improved Rotherham Interchange will provide a better, brighter place for public transport users as well as those visiting, living and working in the town. Seventeen million people travelling through the Interchange each year, using 1,299 buses a day, will now benefit from new seating, lighting, information displays, electrics and flooring, CCTV and free public wi-fi."

Dan Jarvis, mayor of the Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield Combined Authority (pictured, left), said: "I'm delighted to be opening the £12m refurbished Rotherham Interchange. Public transport provides vital access to employment, education, public services and social activities, so it's great to see these huge improvements that will make a real difference to people travelling around our region each and every day."

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News: Rotherham town centre safety concerns remain

Nearly a quarter of local pupils answering a question in an annual survey have expressed that they never feel safe in Rotherham town centre.

The Borough Wide Lifestyle Survey has been carried out since 2006 and was most recently carried out in May and June 2018. With a sample of 3,499 young people (52% of the relevant population), it is considered a valuable tool by Rotherham Council, helping to provide an idea of what young people understand and can enable the council to tailor services towards young people. Issues covered include food and drink, education, sexual health, bullying and safety.

The results showed that the percentage of young people saying that they visit Rotherham town centre has declined after an increase last year. 28.5% (843) of pupils said they visit Rotherham town centre regularly (at least once a week), compared to 33% in 2017 and 27% in 2016.

The 2018 results show the reasons pupils have visited Rotherham town centre are similar to in previous years. Overwhelmingly shopping is the main reason why pupils visit. Second choice is going to a football match at New York Stadium and third choice is meeting with friends.

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On the issue of safety in Rotherham town centre, 2015 results showed that just 18% of pupils said they felt safe in town centre and 82% said they did not feel safe.

Questions have been changed to ascertain how safe young people are feeling. In 2018 there has been an improvement in the percentage overall of pupils who said they always feel safe in Rotherham town centre. 19.3% (459) of pupils said they always feel safe, compared to 18% in 2017.

However, there has been an increase in the percentage of pupils who said they never feel safe - 23.3% (554) compared to 18.5% in 2017. Year 7 pupils are more likely to say they always feel safe and Y10 pupils are more likely to say they never feel safe.

There has been also been an increase in the percentage of pupils who say they never feel safe in at Rotherham bus station and train station, compared to 2017 results.

The survey also shows that 12.5% of pupils said they have never visited Rotherham town centre.

Survey writers say that they will share the results with key partners who can respond such as South Yorkshire Police, the town centre safety team and South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE) who operate the interchange.

The results are set to be discussed with local young people through groups such as the Youth Cabinet and the Different But Equal Board for their comments and thoughts on how this could be improved.

Cllr. Gordon Watson, Rotherham Council's Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children and Young Peoples' Services said: "We are committed to ensuring every child has the best start in life, which is why surveys like this are important for us to be able to hear and act on what our younger residents tell us is important to them. The annual results from this survey show that direct action is being taken by schools and other settings to help address issues that arise."

"Having the voice of the child represented in this way really helps us to understand what issues are affecting our young people and therefore helps us as a council and as a partnership to address any concerns, should they arise."

The introduction of a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO), and the £12m revamp of the Interchange, are in part aimed at making visitors feel safer. The number of incidents of anti-social behaviour (ASB) continues to decline in Rotherham town centre.

In the longer term, the mixed-used leisure development proposed for Forge Island is designed to provide more family friendly reasons to visit Rotherham town centre.

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News: Rotherham town centre commercial building back up for auction

A prominent commercial building in Rotherham town centre is going back under the hammer next month after failing to sell last year.

1-22 Effingham Square is the large block of offices with retail units underneath that is located alongside Rotherham Interchange and its shopping centre and opposite to the Tesco Extra store.

The property is set to offered to buyers by leading auctioneers, Allsop in its London auction scheduled to take place at The Berkeley on February 5.

Totalling some 20,160 sq ft of lettable space, the property includes an unbroken parade of ten shops with office space above.

Tenants include Wallace Arnold, Cash Converters, Tasty Bite, two dental practices and the Laser Credit Union. Upper floors have the South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Authority as tenants.

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Bringing in a total current rent of £178,000 per annum, the property has been given a guide price of £1.6m - £1.7m.

Following the opening of the £40m Tesco development, Effingham Square was given a modest revamp with a redesign of the taxi rank and new public realm works to the pedestrianised area.

The new town centre masterplan considers that there "is still significant improvement which can be made" in Effingham Square which is described as "a very poor space and a wasted opportunity."

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The masterplan puts forward that Rotherham Council should lead on a project for Effingham Square so that it will become an "attractive densely planted green oasis in the heart of town," complementing the green space at Minster Gardens.

Transforming grey to green, "proposals for Effingham Square will provide a new setting for the Interchange, greening the current expanse of hard space, providing seating and screening through further tree cover. The delineation of space between the taxi ranks and the public space will also help break the expanse of grey space."

Rotherham Interchange itself is undergoing a £12.5m revamp and is due to open in Spring 2019.

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News: Halfway point in Rotherham Interchange refurbishment

To mark the halfway point of the £12m Rotherham Interchange refurbishment works and highlight the contractors reaching the highest point in the building, local councillors, directors and project managers were invited on site.

Interserve, the international support services and construction group, won the contract for the work on the site which had associated public safety issues and suffered a fire in 2016 which caused significant damage.

Ben Gilligan, Director of Public Transport at South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE), said: "We now have a good view of how the works are shaping up and it’s exciting to see what’s about to come. The stripping of the building has been completed, much of the new glazing has been installed and the building has been re-wired.

"The top floor of the car park has been resurfaced and weather-proofed and the wider parking bays and pedestrian route painted. Twenty-one crates full of solar panels are ready to be placed on the roof in the coming weeks, providing at least 70% of the building's energy.

"Whilst there is still a fair bit of work to do within the concourse areas it's great to know that the works are on track. A sample of the ceiling cladding and lighting fixtures was in place and it was good to see how they'll improve customers' experience at the Interchange. The refurbishment will deliver safer, brighter and lighter premises for all users.

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The SYPTE holds a lease agreement with owners Norseman Estates Limited to maintain and operate the interchange and car park. The Sheffield City Region Combined Authority (CA) agreed to borrow £12.5m so that refurbishment of the important town centre asset can be carried out.

Cllr. Chris Read, leader of Rotherham Council, added: "The new interchange is a key part of our plans to regenerate Rotherham town centre, as part of the town centre masterplan, and promoting sustainable transport is an important element of this. Good progress is being made, and I look forward to seeing the work completed on this fantastic new facility for people visiting, living and working in Rotherham."

Paul Ellenor, regional director for Interserve, added: "The topping out ceremony is an important milestone in the delivery of the Rotherham Interchange refurbishment. It's great to see progress being made in transforming the facilities as part of Rotherham Council's exciting regeneration programme.

"Interserve, together with the South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive, is working hard to ensure we benefit the town by employing as many local people as possible, and by utilising its construction as an educational tool for various local schools and colleges.

"The team is looking forward to the next phase of works and ultimately delivering a sustainable Interchange facility that will serve the people of Rotherham for many years to come."

A temporary bus station is in place on the nearby Forge Island and the refurbished site is expected to re-open in early 2019.

Interserve website
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News: Drone checks progress of Rotherham Interchange work

The £12m revamp of Rotherham Interchange has been highlighted in new drone footage to give customers an idea of the scale of the works taking place.

Rothbiz reported that Interserve, the international support services and construction group, won the contract for the work on the site which had associated public safety issues and suffered a fire in 2016 which caused significant damage.

Plans were approved last year which focused on refreshing the concourses and include the installation of new lighting, glazing, seating, flooring, CCTV and Passenger Information Displays. The scheme will also involve repairs and upgrades to the car park including new cladding, surfacing, the provision of larger spaces for modern cars, electric vehicle charging points as well as improved pedestrian routes.

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Tim Taylor, director of customer wervice at South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE), said: "As captured in our drone footage, work is progressing well at Rotherham Interchange. In the Interchange itself, the old seating, lighting and other fixtures and fittings have been stripped out including all of the glazing, automatic doors, internal cladding and electrics. The disused toilet block on Platform C has been demolished to create what will be a more open and inviting area.

"External cladding on the car park has been removed ready for replacement, with the car park also due to be resurfaced and relined to take into account larger, modern vehicles. Electric vehicle charging points and improved pedestrian routes will be introduced too. Solar panels will also be installed on the car park, which will provide a low maintenance, renewable energy source for the site, reducing the operational costs for SYPTE."

The SYPTE holds a lease agreement with owners Norseman Estates Limited to maintain and operate the interchange and car park. The Sheffield City Region Combined Authority (CA) is set to borrow £12.5m so that refurbishment of the important town centre asset can be carried out.

A temporary bus station is in place on the nearby Forge Island and the refurbished site is expected to re-open in early 2019.

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News: Interseve confirm Rotherham construction contract

Interserve, the international support services and construction group, has confirmed that is has won the contract for the £12m revamp of Rotherham Interchange.

Rothbiz reported last month that the firm, fresh from working on the £150m biomass plant at Templeborough, had moved on site at the bus station, which has associated public safety issues and suffered a fire in 2016 which caused significant damage.

Plans were approved last year which focused on refreshing the concourses and include the installation of new lighting, glazing, seating, flooring, CCTV and Passenger Information Displays. The scheme will also involve repairs and upgrades to the car park including new cladding, surfacing, the provision of larger spaces for modern cars, electric vehicle charging points as well as improved pedestrian routes.

John Gittins, divisional director at Interserve, said: "We are looking forward to building a long-term relationship with the South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive as it continues to invest in its facilities to improve the passenger experience.

"At Interserve we are committed to investing in the communities in which we live and work; and we will look to maximise local supply chain involvement as well as creating new jobs for local people."

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Tim Taylor, director of customer services at SYPTE, added: "We're delighted to be starting the Rotherham Interchange refurbishment. We're looking forward to working with Interserve and we’re confident that together we’ll deliver an improved interchange, which will result in a better experience for our customers."

The SYPTE holds a lease agreement with owners Norseman Estates Limited to maintain and operate the interchange and car park. The Sheffield City Region Combined Authority (CA) is set to borrow £12.5m so that refurbishment of the important town centre asset can be carried out.

The works are a key part of the Rotherham Town Centre Masterplan adopted by Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council. The Masterplan aims to regenerate the town centre area and providing sustainable transport is an important element of this.

Cllr. Denise Lelliott, cabinet member for jobs and the local economy at Rotherham Council, said: "It's a really exciting time for Rotherham Town Centre, as we move forward with the Masterplan and look to regenerate the area. Sustainable transport will be an important part of these developments and I look forward to seeing work progress on the new interchange."

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News: Interserve at Rotherham Interchange as £12.5m revamp begins

All signs are pointing to multinational support services company, Interserve securing the £11.5m contract to carry out the long-awaited revamp of Rotherham Interchange.

Plans were approved last year which focused on refreshing the concourses with upgrades to flooring, plinths and glazing. The main pedestrian entrances are also set to be revamped.

Partners decided to focus on refurbishing the car park and bus station rather than a large scale redevelopment. Opened in 1971, the multi storey car park has since developed widespread defects. It is underutilised and "nearing the point of being beyond economic repair."

The bus station, which has associated public safety issues, suffered a fire in 2016 which caused significant damage.

Led by the South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE), which holds a lease agreement with owners Norseman Estates Limited to maintain and operate the interchange and car park above, began the tender process to procure a construction firm to carry out the work at the end of 2017.

The tender involves works to the car park and bus station. The car park works will involve soffit tie repairs, deck repairs, concrete repairs to structural beams and columns and waterproofing. The car park will benefit from new surfacing, bigger spaces for modern cars, designated walking routes and new cladding.

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The bus station works includes the upgrade of the fixtures and finishes, including a comprehensive review and refurbishment of the waiting areas, boarding points, customer service desks and information hubs to respond to opportunities offered by modern passenger information display systems and web-enabled information technology.

The Sheffield City Region Combined Authority (CA) is set to borrow £12.5m so that refurbishment of the important town centre asset can be carried out.

Construction work was programmed to start on Monday April 30 and the interchange has been wrapped in Interserve hoardings whilst company cabins were moved on site.

The café, shops and customer toilets will remain open whilst bus services use the temporary facility at Forge Island.

Ben Gilligan, director of public transport at SYPTE, said: "Having a temporary bus station means the building contractors will be able to work intensively on the interchange. The project is on track to be delivered by Spring 2019, as planned."

Cllr. Denise Lelliott, cabinet member for jobs and the local economy, said the work was an exciting development for Rotherham town centre. She said: "The new interchange is a key part of our plans to regenerate the area, as part of the town centre masterplan, and promoting sustainable transport is an important element of this."

Interserve is currently completing the construction of the £150m Templeborough Biomass Power Plant in Rotherham where the first wood firing recently took place.

The company recently announced its financial results for the year ended December 31 2017 which showed it had revenues of £3.25 billion but pre-tax losses had widened to £244m from £91.1m in the previous year. The company has over £500m of debt and put in place a transformation plan in October. Interserve is exiting the sector based around the construction of Energy from Waste (EfW) facilities such as Templeborough.

SYPTE website
Interserve website

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News: QSP hails Rotherham bus station tender

West Yorkshire-based QSP Construction Group has been appointed to build a temporary bus station on Forge Island in Rotherham town centre.

The nearby Rotherham Interchange is undergoing a £12m revamp and bus services will cease to use the current interchange from April 2018 and will move to a temporary bus station on Forge Island (the old Tesco site) for approximately one year whilst Rotherham Interchange is closed for the refurbishment works.

Following a competitive tendering process, QSP Construction Group, will now get to work on the temporary facility that it will provide 12 stands and a covered waiting area for passengers.

Tender documents showed that the cost of the works are in the order of £275,000 to £325,000.

As Rotherham Forge Island is smaller than the current Interchange some services will use new bus stands and shelters located on Corporation Street and Market Place.

Only half of the Forge Island site will be used as a temporary bus station. The car park, which has been operated by Rotherham Council for a number of years, will continue to be open, complete with the "red zone" which offers free parking for two hours.

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Tim Taylor, director of customer services at SYPTE, said: "Rotherham Forge Island – as the temporary site will be known – will provide 12 bus stands with lighting, seating and a covered waiting area for passengers along with timetables at each stand, a PID, CCTV and a staffed customer service desk.

"Opening a temporary facility at Forge Island will minimize customer disruption while essential maintenance work, fire damage repairs and refurbishment works take place on the interchange and car park above."

Gary Broadhead, director at QSP Construction Group, added: "We are delighted to be given the opportunity of working with SYPTE, with whom we have worked with over many years, on the Forge Island Temporary Bus Station project, which when finished will facilitate the commencement of the £12m Interchange re-development."

Planning permission for the Interchange refurbishment was approved at the end of 2017. The plans focus on refreshing the concourses with upgrades to flooring, plinths and glazing. The main pedestrian entrances are also set to be revamped. Changes in the car park include new surfacing, bigger spaces for modern cars, designated walking routes and new cladding.

Work is due to start in the spring and whilst the works take place the car park and bus interchange will be closed but the café, shops in the mall and customer toilets will remain open throughout.

As for Forge Island, Rotherham Council has officially launched its search for a development partner. Proposals for the key regeneration project in the Rotherham town centre masterplan. It is anticipated that the site could accommodate a cinema, hotel, restaurants and bars, town centre parking, as well as high quality business space and modern residential opportunities.

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News: Lifestyle survey shows same issues remain

A higher percentage of young people say that they regularly visit Rotherham town centre but perceptions around safety remain, a recent lifestyle survey shows.

The Borough Wide Lifestyle Survey has been carried out since 2006 and was most recently carried out over the Summer of 2017. With a sample of 3,811 young people, it is considered a valuable tool by the Council, helping to provide an idea of what young people understand and can enable the council to tailor services towards young people. Issues covered include food and drink, education, sexual health, bullying and safety.

The results showed that young people visiting Rotherham town centre had increased by 7% following a period of decline. Respondents who said they visited Rotherham town centre regularly (at least once a week), was up to 33% (1,251) of pupils from the 27% reported in the previous year. The figure is close to the 40% reported in 2014. 6.25% (198 young people) said that they have never visited Rotherham town centre.

The survey shows that the main reason that young people go into the town centre is for shopping (48%) with other reasons to attend a football match at New York Stadium and to meet friends.

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On the issue of safety in Rotherham town centre, 2015 results showed that just 18% of pupils said they felt safe in town centre and 82% said they did not feel safe.

The questions were changed slightly in 2016 to ascertain how safe young people are feeling; with the options of always feeling safe, sometimes feeling safe or never feeling safe replacing yes I feel safe or no I don't feel safe.

Showing a decline from last year, overall the 2017 results show that 18% of pupils said they always feel safe, 50% said they sometimes feel safe and 18.5% said they never feel safe.

In comparison, in 2016 24.6% of pupils said they always feel safe, 45.4% said they sometimes feel safe and 19.3% said they never feel safe.

Again, the survey highlighted safety issues with the bus station, where 18% (693) said they always feel safe, compared to 23.6% in 2016.

Pupils taking part in the survey said they would like to see improved CCTV and presence of more security e.g. police or wardens.

Bev Pepperdine, performance assurance manager at Rotherham Council discussed the findings around safety with councillors at a recent meeting. She said: "These percentages are perceptions. It is a perception question. It used to be "Do you feel safe - Yes or No?" and it was a very high percentage, a lot higher than this, that were saying that they didn't feel safe. We were getting data even though some young people had never actually used the bus or train station.

"We are sharing the data with the Police and the Safer Rotherham Partnership, who are using it to help shape their priorities.

"Safety, in and around the town centre, from a young person's perception, doesn't just come out in this. The work we did on child-friendly Rotherham and reimagining Rotherham saw safety as an issue."

Despite statistics showing that Rotherham town centre has experienced lower levels of crime and ASB than other nearby towns and cities, it is not just young people highlighting the perception of safety in Rotherham town centre.

In response to constant concerns from the public, partners, businesses and councillors, a new Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) for Rotherham town centre and Clifton Park came into force last year.

The lifestyle survey was carried out before the introduction of the PSPO so it will be interesting to see if it affects the perceptions of young people who use the town centre.

Also set to have an impact on safety and perceptions of safety is the revamp of the Interchange which has been designed to address "a below standard customer experience and one in which levels of personal safety are compromised."

The lifestyle survey also asked for young people's wider perception of Rotherham. Pupils were asked to say if they would recommend Rotherham as a place to live and whether they would like to be living in Rotherham in ten years' time, a significantly higher percentage of pupils gave positive responses to recommending and continuing to live in Rotherham.

Pupils were also asked about leaving school and there has been a decrease in the number of young people overall who said they aspire to go to university. This has reduced to 42% (1,592) from 45% in 2016. 5.5% (211) of pupils aspire to start their own business, up from 5% in 2016.

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News: Rotherham town centre commercial building up for auction

A prominent commercial building in Rotherham town centre has been put up for sale and is set to go under the hammer next month.

1-22 Effingham Square is the large block of offices with retail units underneath and is located alongside Rotherham Interchange and its shopping centre, opposite to the Tesco Extra store.

Leading auctioneers, Savills, has placed the freehold of the property in its London auction scheduled to take place at the Grovesnor on February 13.

Totaling some 20,160 sq ft of lettable space, the property includes an unbroken parade of ten shops, something which the auctioneers highlights as being "rarely available."

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Tenants include Wallace Arnold, Cash Converters, Tasty Bite, two dental practices and the Laser Credit Union. Upper floors have the South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Authority as tenants.

Bringing in a total current rent of £178,000 per annum, the property has been given a guide price of £1.85m+.

The sales brochure adds that "the site may have development potential and the possibility of adding an extra floor subject to the requisite consents."

Following the opening of the £40m Tesco development, Effingham Square was given a modest revamp with a redesign of the taxi rank and new public realm works to the pedestrianised area.

The new town centre masterplan considers that there "is still significant improvement which can be made" in Effingham Square which is described as "a very poor space and a wasted opportunity."

The masterplan puts forward that Rotherham Council should lead on a project for Effingham Square so that it will become an "attractive densely planted green oasis in the heart of town," complementing the green space at Minster Gardens.

Transforming grey to green, "proposals for Effingham Square will provide a new setting for the Interchange, greening the current expanse of hard space, providing seating and screening through further tree cover. The delineation of space between the taxi ranks and the public space will also help break the expanse of grey space."

Rotherham Interchange itself is set for a £12.5m revamp.

Savills website

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News: Tender out for temporary Rotherham bus station

In preparation of work getting underway on the £12m revamp of Rotherham Interchange, a tender exercise is underway to build a temporary bus station on nearby Forge Island.

The planning application for the long-awaited revamp of the bus station in Rotherham town centre was recently approved.

Work on the multi-storey car park is underway with further work on refreshing the concourses and main pedestrian entrances scheduled to begin in the Spring.

Bus services will cease to use the current interchange from April 2018 and will move to a temporary bus station on Forge Island (the old Tesco site) for approximately one year whilst Rotherham Interchange is closed for the refurbishment works. This facility will be named "Rotherham Forge Island."

A planning application was submitted for Forge Island at the end of 2017. Proposals, drawn up by ARUP, show that it will provide 12 stands and a covered waiting area for passengers.

As Rotherham Forge Island is smaller than the current Interchange some services will use new bus stands and shelters located on Corporation Street and Market Place.

Passengers will be provided with a Passenger Information Display (PID) screen, a sheltered waiting area and seating at each stand. There will also be a customer service desk with a member of staff available.

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Tender documents show that the cost of the works are in the order of £275,000 to £325,000. Firms have until January 26 to submit bids.

Taking over the car parking spaces that were created by the Council on the site of the former Tesco store, access for buses will be from Bridge Street.

The application states that the 235 space temporary car park "is significantly underutilised and, following redevelopment of the site, car parking demand is likely to be accommodated within the existing town centre provision."

The highway officer at the Council is satisfied with permission being granted for 12 months but warns that the applicants may have underestimated the likely impact on the surrounding highway network and that the proposal may create congestion issues at College Road Roundabout.

Previously the Rotherham Forge & Rolling Mills, the 1.57 hectare site was cleared last year following the relocation of Tesco across town in 2014. In the ownership of the Council, the long term aim is for a major catalyst project in picking up the momentum for the town's regeneration. A joint venture is set to be created with developers, investors and operators showing a keen interest in working up proposals for a five screen cinema, 60-bed hotel, food outlets, bars and cafes (around 24,000 - 30,000 sq ft of space), and 120+ residential units.

A 300+ space multi storey car park is also in the plans and a feasibility study is being carried out on the potential of a new theatre and arts space on the adjacent site of the former Law Courts, which is also owned by the Council. A hydro-electric power system could be incorporated on the weir.

SYPTE website

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News: £12m bus station revamp approved

The planning application for the long-awaited revamp of the bus station in Rotherham town centre has been approved but the owner of the adjacent shopping precinct is unhappy at the prospect of the interchange's closure whilst work is carried out.

Architects at Jefferson Sheard submitted the application earlier this year focused on refreshing the concourses with upgrades to flooring, plinths and glazing. The main pedestrian entrances are also set to be revamped.

Norseman Estates Limited, who are owners of the College Walk Shopping Centre which adjoins the bus station, has complained over the consultation done by the SYPTE and the impact of the temporary closure of the bus station.

Partners decided last year to focus on refurbishing the car park and bus station rather than a large scale redevelopment. Opened in 1971, the multi storey car park has since developed widespread defects. It is underutilised and "nearing the point of being beyond economic repair."

The bus station, which has associated public safety issues, suffered a fire in 2016 which caused significant damage.

Construction works to undertake the car park refurbishment scheme commenced on site in May 2017. The approved plans included internal improvements to increase usage and proposals for new highly durable anodised mesh panels to replace the poorly implemented current external cladding.

The latest plans, approved without the need to go to the planning board, include new finishes, fixtures and fittings to refresh the interchange, replacing failing components and improving the customer experience. This includes new glazed facades, replacing the existing floor surface in its entirety, new concourse and runway ceilings, replacing all of the current seating, new signage and a new, high quality and integrated customer service desk.

Led by the South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE), the tender process to procure a construction firm to carry out the work is underway with the deadline this week.

Work is anticipated to start in Spring 2018 and last for approximately 12 months.

Proposals are in place to fully close the interchange site to the public and the potential use of nearby Forge Island for a temporary bus station is being discussed.

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Legal firm Freeths, on behalf of Norseman Estates, said: "The importance of the operation of the bus station and its relation to the shopping centre and the wider town centre cannot be over emphasised in terms of the vitality and viability of the town.

"Although the development for which planning permission is sought in this application may be considered relatively small scale it never the less has the potential to have significant and serious implications if not properly managed as part of the overall refurbishment of the bus station."

A report from council planners responds with: "The applicant indicates that the car park construction works will be completed in parallel with this application to minimise the duration of the construction works on site and consequently minimise disruption to the ongoing town centre activities and retail offers. However, the applicant has confirmed that the construction of the new entrance lobbies can be completed without whole closure of the interchange. Localised temporary relocation of the bus stands immediately adjacent to each entrance may be required at most.

"The issues raised by the objector are noted and the potentially uncertainty of the business owners within the College Walk Shopping Precinct to the south of the interchange are understood. However, the issue raised by the objector in respect of there being no proper consultation with the businesses and the applicant is not a material planning consideration and this issue, together with the fact the bus interchange will need to close to carry out the wider redevelopment of the site is one that should be discussed between the applicant and the businesses outside of this planning application as it is legal / civil issue.

"It is noted that the closure of the bus interchange may impact on town centre, however there have been months of discussions between the applicant and other Council departments to ensure any disruption is minimal and does not significantly impact on the town centre. Again this is not material to this application and is for discussions outside of planning."

In 1995 Norseman Holdings bought the whole site from Rotherham Council, re-developing it with a shopping mall at the main entrance and new shops fronting onto Effingham Street. To facilitate the wider proposals, SYPTE agreed to take a 99 year lease of the Interchange site.

The owners also asked for a decision on the application to be deferred pending further negotiations to keep the bus station open during the works.

Council planners conclude that a condition is not considered necessary in this instance given the small scale nature of the proposed works, which in isolation, if approved would not require the bus interchange to close.

The report adds: "It is noted that during the construction phase of the wider development there may be a short term impact on the economic and social dimensions due to pedestrians not walking directly past the businesses from the Interchange, but these business can be accessed directly off Frederick Street.

"Furthermore, once this construction period has finished, the wider development is likely to provide significant economic and environmental enhancements to the town centre and its businesses."

SYPTE website

Images: SYPTE / Norseman / Jefferson Sheard

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News: Next stop, Forge Island

Discussions are underway over the possibility of Forge Island hosting a temporary bus station whilst the current town centre interchange undergoes a £12m revamp - work that could take up to two years.

Rothbiz reported this week on the latest plans to install new finishes, fixtures and fittings to refresh the interchange, replace failing components and improve the customer experience. Internal and external works are also being carried out on the multi storey car park on the site.

Works are expected to commence in Spring next year and will last for a period of approximately 12 months.

The South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE) has a long term lease for car park and interchange and is working with Rotherham Council to consider the best option to minimise customer disruption whilst refurbishment works are ongoing.

The planning application states: "We have concluded that it is preferable to close the interchange in its entirety to minimise the contract period and therefore minimise disruption to the customer and town centre properties. Full closure will also greatly minimise the health and safety risks associated with the construction works, removing customers from the site throughout the duration of the main works.

"We have determined that the displaced buses can be accommodated off site at 18 bus stops or stands. Both SYPTE and RMBC are currently progressing the statutory processes to provide these interim facilities both on street and on Council owned land, in close proximity to both the interchange site and each other to further minimise the impact of the refurbishment / development.

"Throughout the works, the mall retail units will remain fully accessible to pedestrians."

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A statement from the SYPTE, added: "Proposals are in place to fully close the interchange site to the public to allow the contractor unlimited access and to complete the works in the most efficient timescales.

"SYPTE and RMBC are progressing two parallel options to temporarily relocate buses following the closure – either across on-street bus stops or on the former Tesco site at Forge Island – the latter being the preferred option. A decision is to be made on preferred option in due course."

ARUP, planning consultatnts for SYPTE are looking at the construction of a temporary bus shelter on Forge Island which it says is "likely to be in operation for 1 – 2 years during the refurbishment of Rotherham Interchange."

Rotherham Council acquired the key site following Tesco's relocation across town in 2014. It has been operating as a car park offering spaces for visitors including free two hour parking in the "red zone."

The former Tesco building has been demolished and the groundworks and development of the site have been completed, enabling the car park to extend its car parking capacity.

In the longer term, the Council is set to secure a development partner for the cinema and hotel led proposals for Forge Island.

The proposed £43m leisure development is seen as a key catalyst project in the town centre masterplan which outlined that the site could include a five screen cinema, 60-bed hotel, food outlets, bars and cafes (around 24,000 - 30,000 sq ft of space), and 120+ residential units. A 300+ space multi storey car park is also in the plans and a feasibility study is being carried out on the potential of a new theatre and arts space on the adjacent site.

The delivery programme in the masterplan has construction work beginning on Forge Island in 2019 with completion in mid 2020.

SYPTE website

Images: Tom Austen / RMBC / WYG

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News: First look at town's £12m bus station

A long-awaited revamp of the bus station in Rotherham town centre has moved closer with the submission of new plans addressing "a below standard customer experience and one in which levels of personal safety are compromised."

Now architects at Jefferson Sheard have submitted a planning application focused on refreshing the concourses with upgrades to flooring, plinths and glazing.

Partners decided last year to focus on refurbishing the car park and bus station rather than a large scale redevelopment. Opened in 1971, the multi storey car park has since developed widespread defects. It is underutilised and "nearing the point of being beyond economic repair."

The bus station, which has associated public safety issues, suffered a fire in 2016 which caused significant damage.

The South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE) has a long term lease for the four-storey car park and interchange which sits between Frederick Street and the River Don. The Sheffield City Region Combined Authority (CA) is preparing to borrow £12.5m so that refurbishment of the important town centre asset can be carried out.

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Construction works to undertake the car park refurbishment scheme commenced on site in May 2017. The approved plans included internal improvements to increase usage and proposals for new highly durable anodised mesh panels to replace the poorly implemented current external cladding.

The latest application explains: "The overriding objective of this project is to develop a repair and refurbishment programme for the interchange to enable SYPTE to comply with its health and safety obligations in respect to the operation of the interchange and to comply with its lease obligations, together with the desire to improve the customer offer."

The plans add that many of the fixtures, fittings and components inside the bus station have exceeded or are nearing their end of life and are showing signs of significant visual and physical degradation following 22 years of operation.

New finishes, fixtures and fittings are proposed to refresh the interchange, replace failing components and improve the customer experience. This includes new glazed facades, replacing the existing floor surface in its entirety, new concourse and runway ceilings, replacing all of the current seating, new signage and a new, high quality and integrated customer service desk.

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The main pedestrian entrances are also set to be revamped. The plans show that a new automatically operated, polyester powder coated, aluminium framed, glazed entrance door is to be installed onto Bridge Street. A new glazed entrance lobby is also planned for Drummond Street.

The number of bus stands will remain at 24 and the overall arrangement will remain largely unchanged. A plan to reconfigure the bus station from a drive through operation to a Drive in Reverse Out (DIRO) interchange has not been followed through.

Some amendments are planned to improve circulation and reduce passenger congestion including restructuring waiting areas, improving lighting levels and adding new information hubs at each pedestrian entrance.

It is proposed that the interchange refurbishment works are completed in parallel to the completion of the car park works, minimising the duration of disruption to users of both facilities.

Work could take up to two years to complete.

SYPTE website

Images: SYPTE / Jefferson Sheard

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News: Key projects in Rotherham town centre masterplan

Rothbiz takes a look at the key sites and "catalyst" projects in the Rotherham town centre masterplan that was launched this week.

Forge Island
Seen as the major catalyst project in picking up the momentum for the town's regeneration, the plans reiterate the desire for a leisure, retail and residential development around the riverside. Previously the Rotherham Forge & Rolling Mills, the 1.57 hectare site has recently been fully cleared following the relocation of Tesco across town in 2014. Currently used as a car park which will be extended for at least another year, the site is now owned by Rotherham Council.

Developers, investors and operators are showing a keen interest in working up proposals for a five screen cinema, 60-bed hotel, food outlets, bars and cafes. A 300+ space multi storey car park is also in the plans and a feasibility study is being carried out on the potential of a new theatre and arts space on the site of the former Law Courts, which is also owned by the Council. A hydro-electric power system could be incorporated on the weir.

Andrew Clarke, a director of urban design at consultants WYG who was project director for the masterplan said: "Forge Island is key and work is already underway following the Council's acquisition.

"Developers are telling us that there is a market for a commercial development like this, including brands in the food and drink sector. Yes, it is commercial but it is also about creating a new, high quality riverside frontage."

The Council is searching for a development partner and is set to take a detailed brief to the market in September 2017.

The Riverside
Housing is set to play a key role in bringing more people into Rotherham town centre. Government cash has also already been secured for £30m of housing development on Council-owned sites. One of which is the site of the former Sheffield Road swimming baths which has the potential for 158 units.

It is hoped that the masterplan will also stimulate further residential development nearby, for example on the land between Westgate and Main Street which is earmarked for a mix of uses, predominately housing, but is currently home to the Royal Mail sorting office, BT's telephone exchange and land used for car parking.

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Damien Wilson, strategic director of regeneration and environment at Rotherham Council, said: "The focus will be on quality, with homes, including car parking, in a riverside location. With improved connectivity like the tram-train coming next year, we have to think about our relationship to Sheffield. Being able to offer people more for their money with good connectivity presents a good opportunity."

Proposals also show an amount of demolition on Corporation Street following discussions with property owners and tenants. Retaining the former Natwest Bank, further leisure, retail and residential development would be enhanced by open space between the Minster, Minster Gardens and Forge Island.

The Markets
The popularity of the markets has "kept the town alive" but parts of the complex on Drummond Street are underutilised. Following consultation, the masterplan proposes a simple solution to enhance the existing site and improve linkages to the nearby £40m Tesco Extra store. The demolition of Council-owned units around the edge of the outdoor covered market is proposed with a new attractive stepped entrance and space for a new community advice hub.

Andrew Clarke explained: "The entrances to the market are not particularly attractive, especially onto Drummond Street. By removing some of the building and improving the public realm improves the visual appearance and opens up the architectural features that are already there such as the roof canopies."

Further public realm improvements could also take place in Effingham Square near Tesco and the bus station and "College Fields" could be created between the market and college campus.

The Interchange
Funding is in place for a £12.5m revamp of the town's bus station with architects at Jefferson Sheard well underway with the latest plans for the site which also includes a multi-storey car park and retail units.

Doncaster Gate
Led by the RNN Group, work is due to start imminently on a £12m Higher Education (HE) campus that is scheduled for completion in autumn 2018. Key to boosting the local economy, the 44,000 sq ft campus will also provide enough space to eventually house 1,000 students, boosting footfall in the town centre.

Doncaster Gate could also be connected to the heritage-led regeneration that has already taken place on Rotherham's High Street. With the unique Grimm & Co on the corner, transport and public realm works could tie the two together and enhance the setting of the magical literacy charity.

Guest & Chrimes
With the aim to create a focus for recreation and sporting activity in the town, mixed leisure development proposals are being prepared by Rotherham United Football Club, who controls the site via a long leasehold. Whilst proposals are being finalised by the club, the masterplanners have mocked up a proposed vision for the Grade II listed building turned into a "new and exciting destination leisure offering, with potential for very significant numbers of visitors each year."

Main Street
Most recently used as a nightclub and car parking relating to the Council offices, proposals here to compliment the town centre include a new larger format discount-convenience food store along with ancillary large format retail units alongside a drive-thru café / food and drink unit.

Images: RMBC / RUFC

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News: £12.5m loan for Rotherham bus station refurb

The Sheffield City Region Combined Authority (CA) is preparing to borrow £12.5m so that the long-awaited refurbishment of Rotherham Interchange in the town centre can be carried out.

Partners decided last year to focus on refurbishing the car park and bus station rather than a large scale redevelopment. Opened in 1971, the multi storey car park has since developed widespread defects. It is underutilised and "nearing the point of being beyond economic repair." The bus station, which has associated public safety issues, suffered a fire in 2016 which caused significant damage.

Plans were approved in 2014 for the detailed design of the renovation and re-cladding of the four-storey car park. However, the start date of the refurbishment was delayed following a decision to further investigate alternative development options on the site.

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Talks have been ongoing between the operators, the SYPTE, Rotherham Council and owners Norseman Holdings on which option to take. A cinema and new interchange scheme proposal was developed but the funding to deliver the scheme could not be sourced.

The work on the car park will now be combined with the refurbishment of the bus station underneath and is set to be funded by the CA borrowing up to £12.5m over the next three years.

The CA is the legal body created by the nine local authorities that comprise the Sheffield city region that has responsibility for transport, economic development and regeneration.

A report to the CA states: "Serious degradation on the physical infrastructure of the interchange has led to parts of it being closed on health and safety grounds. SYPTE has a contractual obligation to the current tenant to make good repairs to the facility, and it has been judged that this level of investment is an efficient means of discharging that obligation whilst also securing an effective strategic asset into the future.

"The costs of this investment are put at £12.5m. SYPTE's Executive Board believe that this investment is the most suitable means of discharging their contractual responsibilities whilst also providing the town and the region with the bus network infrastructure it requires.

"Although the cost of this investment is high it is noted that other options are limited."

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The paper adds that the costs of borrowing £12.5m are likely to be significant, and the search continues for other funding options, including opportunities to "re-role" other Government funding for stalled schemes to the Interchange project.

£3m from the reserves of South Yorkshire's transport budget has previously been put aside for the works and a bid for funding was presented to the Sheffield City Region Combined Authority in December.

Revenue costs associated with the borrowing will be paid for over fifty years and could amount to a total of £22m. These costs will need to be met by the levies paid by all the South Yorkshire councils.

The refurbishment project involves resolving a number of issues including the repairs following the bus fire on stand A6 in May 2016, structural repairs to the multi storey car park and recladding the upper part of the structure and a refurbishment of the bus station to improve its appeal.

Jefferson Sheard has been appointed by the SYPTE as the architect and is in pre-application discussions with Rotherham Council.

Images: Google Maps / SYPTE

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News: £12m needed for bus station repairs

The costs of refurbishing the car park which is "nearing the point of being beyond economic repair" at Rotherham Interchange is an estimated £12m.

Rothbiz reported last month that a large scale redevelopment of the bus station in Rotherham town centre looks unlikely as partners instead focus on refurbishing the car park.

Opened in 1971, the multi storey car park on the site has since developed widespread defects and the existing tight spaces and drab appearance mean that occupancy levels only average approximately one third of its 678 capacity.

Plans were approved in 2014 for the detailed design of the renovation and re-cladding of the four-storey car park. However, the start date of the refurbishment was delayed following a decision to further investigate alternative development options on the site.

Talks have been ongoing between the operators, the SYPTE, Rotherham Council and owners Norseman Holdings on which option to take. A cinema and new interchange scheme proposal was developed but the funding to deliver the scheme could not be sourced.

The issue has been complicated by a fire at the site in May which caused significant damage to the interior of the interchange and impacted on services and reduced income from the car park.

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A report to the Sheffield City Region Combined Authority Transport Committee outlines that the Interchange Refurbishment project is in the process of being refined and is likely to include repairs to the car park, repairs following the fire and the "refurbishment of parts of the Interchange to improve the visual appearance and make the site more attractive and less threatening to customers."

The capital strategy from Rotherham Council includes an ambition to invest in "Improvements to the Transport Interchange, to address current condition and public safety issues. The aim is to create a new, brighter, safer environment and address some of the issues around CSE in and around the existing Interchange."

Only 15% of school pupils responding to the Borough Wide Lifestyle Survey said they feel safe at the bus station.

Works could begin in the Summer of 2017 and the estimated final cost of this scheme is approximately £12m including risk and inflation, but work on scope, costs and risks are progressing.

£3m from the reserves of South Yorkshire's transport budget has already been put aside for the works and a bid for funding will be presented to the Sheffield City Region Combined Authority in due course.

Images: SYPTE / Aedas

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News: Refurbishment rather than redevelopment at Rotherham Interchange

A large scale redevelopment of the bus station in Rotherham town centre looks unlikely as partners instead focus on refurbishing the car park which is "nearing the point of being beyond economic repair."

The town's bus station also includes a retail development covering 55,000 sq ft and consisting of 18 units. Opened in 1971, the multi storey car park on the site has since developed widespread defects and the existing tight spaces and drab appearance mean that occupancy levels only average approximately one third of its 678 capacity.

Plans were approved in 2014 for the detailed design of the renovation and re-cladding of the four-storey car park. However, the start date of the refurbishment was delayed following a decision to further investigate alternative development options on the site.

Talks have been ongoing between the operators, the SYPTE, Rotherham Council and owners Norseman Holdings on which option to take. A cinema and new interchange scheme proposal was developed but the funding to deliver the scheme could not be sourced.

The issue has been complicated by a fire at the site in May which caused significant damage to the interior of the interchange and pushed the overall repair bill above £5m.

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Steve Edwards, executive director of the South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE) told a recent meeting of the Sheffield City Region Combined Authority Transport Committee: "We have been looking at the longer term future of the car park and the interchange with a number of options being considered, ranging from a redevelopment of the location, to a repair and update of the infrastructure.

"The proposal at the moment is to go for the latter option - to repair and refurbish the car park and interchange. This will go to the combined authority for formal approval in due course.

"Both activities will cause some disruption whilst that work goes ahead and we are working on a plan to coordinate those activities together so we cause as little disruption as possible to the travelling public."

£3m from the reserves of South Yorkshire's transport budget has already been put aside for the works.

The recently published draft capital strategy from Rotherham Council included an ambition to invest in "Improvements to the Transport Interchange, to address current condition and public safety issues. The aim is to create a new, brighter, safer environment and address some of the issues around CSE in and around the existing Interchange."

Only 15% of school pupils responding to the Borough Wide Lifestyle Survey said they feel safe at the bus station.

Architectural firm, Aedas, who also designed Rotherham's revamped train station, developed the "elegant solution" for the building's drab appearance by using exterior panels featuring three tones of brown and gold that mimic the colour of iron before it has been manufactured into steel. The anodised material is expected to "softly shimmer as the sunlight is cast upon it."

Also part of the approved plans, the existing four bay parking layout will be replaced with a three bay parking layout. This is designed to free up significant space for manoeuvring, as well as allowing people to get in and out of their vehicle with greater ease. However, this will result in the number of parking spaces reducing down to 485.

The plans propose to introduce "an abundance of colour" on the car park floors and as part of the internal refurbishment there is the opportunity to clarify the layout by introducing markings for pedestrian zones, improving signage, enhancing space markings, and clarifying road markings.

Images: SYPTE / Aedas

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News: £3m for Rotherham Interchange refurb

£3m from the reserves of South Yorkshire's transport budget is set to be used to support the cost of refurbishing the car park at Rotherham Interchange which is "nearing the point of being beyond economic repair."

The town's bus station also includes a retail development covering 55,000 sq ft and consisting of 18 units. Opened in 1971, the multi storey car park on the site has since developed widespread defects and the existing tight spaces and drab appearance mean that occupancy levels only average approximately one third of its 678 capacity.

Rothbiz reported in February that typical defects include extensive corrosion to imbedded steel reinforcement. As a consequence there has been spalling (breaking into fragments) in the columns, beams, up-stands, curbs and structural topping to the decks. Additionally a remedial waterproof deck failed and steel tie-bars were corroding.

A vehicle fire in May caused damage to the building, closing the car park and some of the stands.

The latest budget put before the Sheffield city region transport committee shows that £4.3m in reserves is available to projects to be re-earmarked and £3m is set to be used to support costs of refurbishing the Rotherham car park.

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The car park requires £4m worth of repairs and plans have been approved for the detailed design of the renovation and re-cladding of the four-storey car park. However, the start date of the refurbishment was delayed following a decision to further investigate alternative development options on the site.

Talks have been ongoing since the operators, the SYPTE, Rotherham Council and owners Norseman Holdings met in 2013 to discuss potential alternative development options for the site. The SYPTE is set to decide on whether they wish to redevelop the site as an Interchange or continue a programme of repairs.

A spokesperson for the SYPTE said: "We are currently undertaking a detailed investigation of the fire damage, required to determine the structural repairs necessary to re-open the car park. Cleaning and repair work made necessary after the fire is also ongoing at the Interchange.

"SYPTE with RMBC is considering refurbishment and redevelopment options to ensure any proposals compliment the future of the town centre as a whole. The £3m reserves will support delivery of the option that is agreed."

The interchange site is a key site in the emerging masterplan for the town centre. In resposnse to the consultation on the plans the SYPTE said: "SYPTE welcome the opportunity to redevelop this site in partnership with RMBC and this document for reinforcing the need of the interchange to maintain its use as a transport hub and that any additional uses, such as retail, be ancillary to its main use.

"Work is currently ongoing on various possibilities for the future of the Interchange and SYPTE welcomes the importance this document places on getting this redevelopment right. The interchange is key component to a successful town centre and in many cases the first place people travelling into the town will see.

"SYPTE understand there are a number of complexities when developing this site, including the current structural issues in the car park."

The recently published draft capital strategy from Rotherham Council included an ambition to invest in "Improvements to the Transport Interchange, to address current condition and public safety issues. The aim is to create a new, brighter, safer environment and address some of the issues around CSE in and around the existing Interchange."

Only 15% of school pupils responding to the Borough Wide Lifestyle Survey said they feel safe at the bus station

A cinema and new interchange scheme proposal was developed however the funding to deliver the scheme could not be sourced.

A proposal was also considered to totally reconfigure the layout of the bus station, from a drive through operation to a Drive in Reverse Out (DIRO) interchange.

SYPTE website

Images: SYPTE / Aedas

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