New-look concourse at Preston Bus Station
The first section of newly-refurbished concourse at Preston Bus Station reopened on Saturday (6 May) following redevelopment work.
People will get to see how the concourse has changed following the opening of the first renovated section at the south east quarter of the bus station, near the Guild Hall.
Most of the refurbishments on this section have been carried out, but due to the Listed status of the building some temporary finishes have been applied, until the work can be finalised.
The next section has now closed for similar work. The whole concourse will be renovated as part of the project and is due to be completed towards the end of this year.
The work on the concourse is being carried out in four stages, to keep the bus station open throughout the redevelopment.
Changes to bus stands are possible during this work, until the eastern side of the concourse has been completed. People are advised to check notices displayed near the main entrances, or check with bus station staff.
Andrew Barrow, project manager for Lancashire County Council, said: "We're pleased that the first stage of the concourse improvements and the new bus bays have reopened for use by the public and bus operators. People will see a big difference.
"The work aims to respect the listed aspects of the building, while providing new glazing, lighting and much more. We've also got new bus bays, with a number of new safety features for passengers and bus operators.
"It's a big undertaking to carry out this work while the bus station remains open and we are grateful to everyone for their patience while this work takes place.
"There's still a lot going on, and lots of improvements still to come, but we're very pleased with the progress that's being made."
Improvement work is also continuing on the car park levels. The ramp at the south end of the site closed recently for refurbishment. The north ramp reopened towards the end of March.
The top four levels of the car park have also reopened following repairs and redevelopment, with work now taking place on levels three to five.
The wider plans for the bus station also include a new stand-alone Youth Zone, which is being developed in collaboration with On Side Youth Zones.
A new public square will be created on the existing bus apron on the city centre side, improving access for people using the bus station.
Notes for Editors: The attached photographs show the renovated concourse and the new external bus bays.
For further information please contact: Stephen Axon on 01772 533 194
[email protected]
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