Repair work has begun to Preston Bus Station’s crumbling concrete.
AdvertisementThe grade-II listed building’s car park levels are being revamped as Lancashire County Council also looks to install new lighting and payment machines.
More than £20m is being spent on repairs to the Bus Station alongside the construction of the Preston Youth Zone on the western concourse of the building.
Architect John Puttick is leading the work on the Bus Station, which includes shutting off the subways between the building and the city centre.
He said: “It’s exciting to see work starting on site for this very significant project. The improvements to the car park and concrete structure are the first step in restoring Preston Bus Station for the future.
“We are looking forward to moving onto the concourse renovation and new Youth Zone building as the project progresses.”
The Bus Station sees some changes during the refurbishment works, including the pedestrian crossing at the Lord Street end of the building being moved. It will move to between stands 10 and 11.
Stands one to nine are being fenced off and some bus services department from different parts of the Bus Station.
Moor Nook service 8 moves to stand 12, Skipton servie 280 moves to stand 13 and Faringdon Park service 16 moves to stand 14.
Read more: Youth Zone plans lodged for the Bus Station
Disabled access is being affected too, with only service 8 have a wheelchair accessible bay so Preston Bus says there “may be times when an overflow bay is unavailable. This means sometimes your bus may have to set down passengers at different stands, before moving to its normal stand location for the next journey.”
Leader of Lancashire County Council councillor Jennifer Mein said the repairs are ‘vital’,
She said: “We’re delighted that work has started on this exciting new stage in the history life of Preston Bus Station. These repairs and improvements are vital to ensure the bus station can continue to fulfil its role as a major transport hub. As well as maintaining and improving this iconic building, we’re also working on our plans for a new building for young people.
“This is an exciting time for this part of the city with major plans for the Markets Quarter including the proposed cinema complex, a new hotel in the former post office and new plans announced to further develop the Guild Hall. The bus station is a key part of these plans, which will redevelop this part of the city centre and bring new commercial opportunities into the city.
“Our plans are part of the Preston, South Ribble and Lancashire City Deal, which is already delivering improvements to roads and public transport. This will make it easier for people to get around and bring new people into the city, which benefits the local economy.”
Do you use the Bus Station? What do you think of the refurbishment? Let us know in the comments below