Bus passengers in Exeter face bright future as brand new bus station emerges
Bus passengers in Exeter will get a major boost this summer when a brand new bus station opens in the city.
The striking new Exeter Bus Station features striking glass-fronted covered waiting and boarding areas and high quality facilities. It will replace the existing bus station which was opened in 1964.
The emerging new facility will be operated by Stagecoach following the recent completion of a competitive tendering process.
Council Leader Phil Bialyk said he was delighted to see the progress that has been made on the new station. He said: “As a former bus driver in Exeter this is a development that is close to my heart. Looking at the new bus station, I am quite amazed at the quality and the progress they have been making.
“It will be a massive improvement for passengers. The glass doors at the front will ensure that passengers will be protected from the elements in all weathers.
“There is really no comparison with the old bus station, which is well past its sell-by date, and when people see what the new bus station has to offer they are going to be amazed – it is going to be great for the city and I can’t wait for it to open.”
The building work to create the new station - which has been built next to the emerging St Sidwell’s Point leisure centre - is now largely complete. Changes to the highways network around the new station are now being carried out and are expected to be completed in May.
Stagecoach will shortly begin fit out of the new station to install everything needed for the operation of a modern bus facility. The new station has been built by main contractor Kier, which is also constructing the state-of-the-art Passivhaus leisure centre next door.
Doug Lloyd, operations director at Kier Regional Building Western & Wales, said: “The new bus station is set to be a vital transport link/hub for the South West. “With its glass fronted exterior the new station is visually striking arrival point and is full of first-class facilities to support those travelling to and from Exeter city centre.
“We have utilised our skills and expertise in designing and constructing high quality buildings, as well as working with our local supply chain partners, to deliver this important scheme for Exeter.”
The project has been funded by Exeter City Council. The LEP ‘Getting Building Fund’ also awarded £800,000 to the new bus station. The current station will close after the new one opens later this summer.
