The new Halifax Bus Station was officially opened by the Mayor of West Yorkshire at a ceremony this morning (Friday 26th July).
The bus station is the latest infrastructure project to be delivered by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, in partnership with Calderdale Council, following Mayor Tracy Brabin’s pledge to “deliver, deliver, deliver” for the region.
All 19 of the new station’s bus stands fully opened this week, and the redeveloped site includes a new travel centre, ‘changing places’ toilet with extra features to cater for people with a range of disabilities, a new seated waiting area and improved staff facilities.
By increasing capacity, more buses can now use the station. Following completion of the £20 million project, improved facilities also include better safety measures and access improvements, allowing passengers to switch between bus services more easily, as well as a newsagent that will be open in the coming weeks.
The site boasts solar panels, cycle parking and a ‘green roof’ covered in bee-friendly plants. This will help contribute to West Yorkshire’s aim to be carbon neutral by 2038.
Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin said:
“This new state-of-the-art bus station is a place that people in Halifax and beyond can be proud of.
“Attractive and convenient facilities like this will help to get more people out of their cars and onto public transport, creating a greener and better-connected West Yorkshire.
“Over the next four years, I want us to focus on delivering for the people of West Yorkshire, and this transformational facility is just the start.”
Cllr Scott Patient, Calderdale Council’s Deputy Leader, said:
“The opening of this top-class bus station is a big moment for Halifax and Calderdale. It reflects the level of regeneration going on across our whole borough to make it a better place for everyone, and complements the A629 project to transform Halifax town centre.
“Seeing Halifax Bus Station being well-used is what it’s all about – making life easier for people getting to their jobs and education, visiting friends and family, accessing Calderdale’s amazing attractions and leisure facilities, shopping and taking steps towards more sustainable travel. The building was designed with accessibility in mind, with level areas to help everyone move around.
“As a place that prioritises climate action, we’re proud to have such a ‘green’ facility in Calderdale that will help us become a zero-carbon place by 2038.”
As part of the project, the Combined Authority worked closely with contractors Willmott Dixon to create four full-time jobs for young local people, support 154 apprentice weeks, five work experience programmes and 18 school, college and community visits.
A Green Skills Academy was also set up to engage and educate students across Calderdale, as well as providing over 50 hours of employment advice.
Chris Yates, Willmott Dixon’s Yorkshire director, said:
“At every stop on the journey to deliver Halifax Bus Station we’ve been determined to not only deliver a sustainably designed bus station this town can be proud of, but to connect local people with jobs, training and education.”
Staff are on hand at the station daily to help people and answer questions.
The scheme was delivered through the Combined Authority’s Transforming Cities Fund programme, which is aimed at making it easier to walk, cycle and use public transport.
Two National Express services will now also use the new bus station – London via Sheffield and Milton Keynes, and London via Leeds and Nottingham.
Find out more information about the new bus station and its services at westyorks-ca.gov.uk/hbs(external link).