Background
Warwickshire County Council found from consultation that there was widespread support for a new bus station in the centre of Warwick from the public, local authorities and organisations within the town.
Existing bus services had to use town centre streets, and the bus stops in Market Street had become congested. Proposals were developed for a bus station on the West Gate car park, which will be reduced in size. It would handle existing bus services and the future increase in buses from the proposed park and ride for Warwick.
To finalise the details of the station, further consultation from bus users and residents was conducted. The public were invited to attend an exhibition where more details of the proposals were available, and thoughts on the design of the station could be expressed. The exhibition was held in the centre of Warwick for three days (Thursday 26th April – Saturday 28th April), where County Council officers were on hand to answer questions. In addition, evaluation forms were available allowing visitors to record their views and satisfaction with the scheme.
A report was produced summarising the evaluation forms that were returned, along with feedback forms about the quality of the exhibition itself.
The layout of the Bus Station and the progression of the scheme were approved by both Cabinet and Warwick Area Committee. Planning Permission was granted and a contract was signed with McVeigh Construction Ltd.
The following organisations are working in partnership to deliver this project:
- Warwickshire County Council
- Warwick District Council
- Warwick Town Centre Management Group
- Warwick Society
- Stagecoach
- National Express
- Senior People's Forum
- The Council for the Protection of Rural England
Features
Bus Station Features
- 3 bus stands with bus shelters in the centre of the site, with access for buses off Puckering's Lane and an exit on to Market Street.
- a lay-by for a bus stop and bus shelter on the Bowling Green Street frontage and one on the Puckering's Lane frontage.
- A large pedestrian area with a waiting/information room together with 1 new tree, and1 large planter for shrubs.
- 6 trees will be removed from the site but a row of 8 birch trees will be planted between the bus station and the car park in a new footway on the northern side of the bus station, linking Puckering's Lane with Market Street.
- External seating, bollards and cycle stands will be provided. Ground materials will match those in the adjacent areas.
- Existing bus shelters will be re-used; road signs will be kept to a minimum and will respect the historic setting.
- Final surface level will be broadly at the existing ground levels of the car park.
- Construction of the interchange will be accompanied by a programme of archaeological recording.
Car Park Features
- The existing 49 car park spaces will be reduced to 32 spaces, including 4 disabled spaces in agreement with the scheme partners.
- To assist motorists, new Variable Message Signs will direct motorists to other car parks with available spaces.
- The realignment of the 32 car park spaces will be parallel to the Westgate House walkway, with a one-way car park access road linking Puckering's Lane to Market Street.
Highway Features
- A "Raised Table" in the carriageway of Puckering's Lane at the entrance to the car park access road.
- A "Raised Table" in the carriageway of Market Street and a narrowing of the carriageway at the exit to the car park.
- Puckering's Lane to be made one-way from Bowling Green Street to Brook Street.
- Street lighting and road signs compatible with the Conservation Area.
- Prohibition of buses and coaches on Puckering's Lane from the car park access to Brook Street resulting in.
- The removal of buses from Brook Street, Market Place and the northern section of Market Street.
Useful Background Information
For more information please contact:
Transport Planning Group
Environment and Economy
PO Box 43
Shire Hall
Warwick
CV34 4SX
Telephone: 01926 735674
Email: tpu@warwickshire.gov.uk