The new Halifax Bus Station has been declared Transport Project of the Year in a prestigious national awards ceremony.
The facility came out on top against six others shortlisted in the same category at the British Construction Industry Awards last week.
The £20 million project, which fully opened in July this year, was praised by judges for its design, in particular the green roof and incorporation of surrounding listed buildings.
The way the bus station complements the landscape and acts as a gateway to the town also contributed to the win.
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said:
“As one of the first projects we completed in my second term as Mayor, I’m so proud that our state-of-the-art Halifax Bus Station is getting the recognition it deserves.
“It’s been a huge effort from everybody involved to create a world-class facility, helping get more people out of their cars and onto public transport.
“And there’s so much more to come as we deliver a greener and better-connected West Yorkshire that works for all.”
Cllr Jane Scullion, Leader of Calderdale Council, said:
“It’s wonderful news that Halifax Bus Station has been recognised with this prestigious national industry award.
“The ambitious project has improved the visitor experience, with better access and safer travel around the bus station, making bus travel a more appealing option. The building’s features also support our priority for climate action, with environmental impacts at the heart of the project, contributing to local and regional net zero carbon targets.
“As a gateway to the town centre, I’m also pleased that judges recognised the bus station’s innovative design, and how the modern facility incorporates existing heritage buildings. This style of development is key in investment projects taking place across Halifax town centre, as we make the most of our proud history and support a thriving future.”
The redeveloped bus station boasts solar panels, cycle parking, a ‘green roof’, 19 bus stands, a new travel centre, a ‘changing places’ toilet, a new seated waiting area and improved staff facilities.
It also includes better safety measures and access improvements, allowing passengers to switch between bus services more easily.
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.
Chris Yates, Willmott Dixon’s Yorkshire director, said:
“To be recognised nationally as Transport Project of the Year reflects the shared determination of everyone involved to deliver a truly sustainably designed and accessible bus station that complements and protects the town’s rich heritage, all whilst connecting local people with jobs, training and education.”
Alistair Branch, partner and lead designer at Stephen George + Partners LLP (SGP), said:
“We are delighted that Halifax Bus Station has secured this prestigious national construction award at one of the UK’s premier events.
“SGP is proud to continue our long-standing relationship with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, delivering the next generation of bus stations within West Yorkshire.
“Halifax Bus Station is a scheme to be truly proud of, resolving complex accessibility issues, through the Grade II listed assets on the site, has sustainability at its heart and provided a step change in passenger facilities, eliminating the risk of pedestrian and bus conflict from the old ‘island’ bus station arrangement. A real asset for the Combined Authority, Halifax and the people of the town.”
Find out more information about the new bus station and its services at westyorks-ca.gov.uk/hbs.