Hereford’s planned new central transport hub, which will now cost an extra £6.3 million, has been given the green light.
The proposal, prepared for a Herefordshire Council cabinet meeting on Thursday (October 27), asked for the plan for an “integrated modern public transport interchange” in front of Hereford railway station to be signed off.
The scheme will enable passengers to switch easily between bus, rail, bicycle and taxi, in order to “support economic growth, improve accessibility and encourage active travel”, it said.
RELATED NEWS:
- Changes made at Herefordshire road junction where drivers don't stop and crash
- Herefordshire school told it can build new classroom with exciting addition
- This new vision for Hereford streets is being slammed – and shops could close
The design “incorporates as much greenspace as possible”, aims to keep people and vehicles separate, and also to enhance the grade II listed station building, it adds.
According to an accompanying business case for the project, it will include bus stands, taxi ranks, covered waiting areas, real-time transport information, refreshments, toilets, wi-fi, CCTV, cycle parking and lockers, a Beryl bike exchange, and will have safe direct pedestrian access from the city centre.
However, the work will not include upgrading the station car park, or refurbishing the railway station building.
RELATED NEWS:
- We're sorry! Far too much spent on Hereford's new link road
- Herefordshire wants government cash to be more cycle-friendly
- Hereford waste ground could become homes for the less able
The scheme forms part of the wider £40-million Hereford City Centre Transport Package (HCCTP) part-funded by The Marches Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).
The transport hub is expected to cost around £10 million overall. But only £3.7 million has so far been allocated to it.
Want to stay up to date with all the latest local democracy news for Herefordshire? It's easy, just sign up for our weekly email newsletter here and all the important stories that matter to you will be delivered straight to your inbox.
The council has put in a bid for the outstanding amount from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund. But the cabinet report says that if this is unsuccessful, “there will be a requirement for council to fund the project from prudential borrowing”.
The transport hub is likely to cost a further £50,000 a year to maintain once completed, which is expected to be within the next financial year. This will pay for watering plants, emptying bins, cleaning and lighting.
The plan has been approved, subject to a seven-day period where other councillors can ask for it to be reviewed.
What are your thoughts?
You can send a letter to the editor to have your say by clicking here.
Letters should not exceed 250 words and local issues take precedence.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel