The large-scale rebuild of Harlow bus station and the regeneration of the Essex town’s Terminus Street moved one step closer to reality this month, with the conclusion of the site enabling works and planning permission granted for the change of use of Post Office Road car park to a temporary bus station.
The recently-completed phase of enabling works included the complex removal of the Terminus House footbridge earlier in the year. Once the temporary bus station is in place, the existing depot can be fully demolished and the development of the new sustainable transport hub and interchange can begin.
Designed by McBains, the transport hub and interchange will include 16 covered bus stands covered by a 150m canopy, an indoor waiting area, new green spaces, and separate storage for up to 80 bicycles.
Once complete, the project will transform an entire town centre street and its environs and deliver dramatic improvements to public amenities and green spaces.
Morgan Sindall Construction has been appointed to develop the new transport hub and interchange, whilst McBains is providing a full inter-disciplinary service, comprising architecture, building services engineering, civil and structural engineering, sustainability advice, cost management, party wall, clerk of works and project management.
The works are backed by Harlow Council’s successful £23.7m Towns Fund bid. The development will support both existing public transport routes and proposed sustainable transport corridor routes in order to promote walking and cycling, as part of the development. The inclusion of green areas and an events space will also help to transform the overall character of the area and create a beneficial environment for all.
McBains Director Steve Brooker said:
“We’re delighted to be supporting the enhancement of Harlow Town Centre, particularly by enhancing its transport infrastructure and developing brighter facilities which will encourage residents to use more sustainable public transport instead of cars. Greening our cities needs to be a national priority as we move towards the goal of Net Zero by 2050.
“Planning permission for the temporary bus station and the conclusion of the enabling works represent major steps forward for the redevelopment, and I’m very much looking forward to following the project’s progress and witnessing its catalytic role in the transformation of Harlow town centre.”
