£300,000 revamp for ‘tired’ bus station (From Bournemouth Echo)

£300,000 revamp for ‘tired’ bus station

7:00am Tuesday 23rd December 2008 in Search By Juliette Astrup

POOLE’S troubled bus station, long-regarded as an unwelcoming blemish on the gateway to the town, is getting its much-needed facelift at last.

A £300,000 revamp of the 40-year-old station at Kingland Road begins in January, promising to “transform the tired facility into a bright and colourful space” according to Borough of Poole.

The grey and stained concrete canopy will be covered in a mural, featuring hot air balloons, water-skiers and divers, while better lighting, improved wheelchair access, general cleaning and painting and the introduction of a no smoking zone will complete the look.

The news follows a difficult year for the station, which was branded “drab, dirty, and unwelcoming” by visitors over the May bank holiday, and it came under fire again this month over accusations it had become a hang-out for abusive and destructive gangs of youths.

But it is hoped the new look could turn it all around.

Cllr Mike White, cabinet portfolio holder for transportation at Borough of Poole, said: “This is great news for residents, visitors and retailers in Poole. We have increasing numbers of bus passengers in Poole and for many their first impression of the town is the bus station.”

The 12-week project is being jointly funded by Borough of Poole, Wilts & Dorset Bus Company and Grosvenor, owners of the Dolphin Shopping Centre.

It follows years of false starts including a £600,000 transformation announced in 2005, and a £250,000 scheme, similar to this one, announced the following year. Neither came to fruition.

Now, under the council’s Town Centre North Action Plan, there are plans to completely rebuild the station closer to The George roundabout – but not before 2012 or 2013, and only if they are approved.

Simon Armstrong, projects director for Grosvenor, said: “The Town Centre North redevelopment, which we are keen to progress with the council, is likely to include a new state-of-the-art bus station.

“This is some years away, however we were keen to ensure that something was done now to improve the bus station.”

Chris Harris, Public Relations Manager, Wilts and Dorset, reassured customers there would be no disruption to journeys and changes to departure stands would be clearly marked.

He added: “We are all looking forward to the smartened up bus station.”

l Seldown Car Park will be closed from January 4 while it is resurfaced and then used as an extension to the bus station for the duration of the works.

Alternative parking will be available in the remaining town centre car parks during this period, after which Seldown Car Park will return to public use.

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