Calderdale Council’s Planning Committee approve application to replace existing bus station with new state-of-the-art facility
Plans for a new £15.8 million Halifax Bus Station delivered in partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority have been approved by members of Calderdale Council’s Planning Committee.
The scheme will be delivered through Leeds City Region’s £317 million Transforming Cities Fund (TCF) – a major new programme of transport infrastructure investment secured as part of West Yorkshire’s devolution deal earlier this year.
Alongside improved passenger facilities and better access to the town centre, plans for the new bus station include environmentally friendly features, such as measures to enable the future introduction of electric bus charging points, bike parking and solar panels, as well as a living roof and green wall complete with plants.
This work is part of wider package of schemes to transform the way people travel in and around Halifax.
Cllr Kim Groves, Chair of Transport for West Yorkshire Combined Authority, said:
“We’re delighted to be working in partnership with Calderdale Council on this important scheme, which will improve bus journeys for people travelling into and out of Halifax.
“Providing a viable alternative to car journeys is more important than ever, not only as we look to address the health and economic challenges created by the pandemic, but also in helping us achieve our aim of becoming a net zero carbon economy by 2038.
“It is estimated that TCF schemes, such as this one, will improve journeys by bus, rail, bike and on foot for up to 1.5 million people and take up to 12 million car trips per year off our roads by 2036.
“From connecting people to job and education opportunities, to reducing congestion, and improving our physical and mental health, enabling more of us to travel on foot, by bike and by public transport has a vital role to play in making Leeds City Region a great place to live, work and play.”
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Strategy, Cllr Jane Scullion, said:
“The exciting plans for Halifax Bus Station complement other developments around the town centre as part of our Calderdale Next Chapter regeneration programme. We’re grateful to the West Yorkshire Combined Authority for their support, enabling this project to happen.
“The development, which is funded through the Leeds City Region Transforming Cities Fund, will be of benefit to all travellers, including the hundreds of students who are now studying at the new Sixth Form Centre just next door.
“The improvements to facilities will make bus travel a more attractive option and the change in layout of the bays will make the experience safer and more accessible.
“I’m pleased plans have been approved and we can continue to work with the Combined Authority to support work starting on site next year.”
Work is due to start on site in spring 2021.
For more information about the new bus station visit calderdalenextchapter.co.uk/projects/halifax-bus-station(external link).
Providing an accessible, affordable and attractive alternative to car journeys is at the heart of the TCF programme.
Communities across Bradford, Calderdale, Craven, Harrogate, Kirklees, Leeds, Selby, Wakefield and York are set to benefit from the TCF programme, which includes new or improved bus and rail stations, new cycling and walking infrastructure, and new Park and Rides.
For more information visit westyorks-ca.gov.uk/improving-transport/transforming-cities-fund/(external link)