New Exeter bus station almost ready

VIDEO: First look as Stagecoach wins tender to operate it

Exeter's new bus station is just about up and raring to go.

The sparkling new facility on Paris Street replaces the former brutalist eyesore that far too many people, otherwise passably sane, professed to love once Exeter City Council announced it was knocking it down as part of a major redevelopment which also includes a major new leisure centre called St Sidwell's Point.

The new bus station features striking glass-fronted covered waiting and boarding areas and high quality facilities. It will be operated by Stagecoach following the completion of a competitive tendering process.

Exeter City Council's leader Phil Bialyk (Labour) is delighted with the progress. 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 is now largely complete. Changes to the roads around the new station are now being carried out and are expected to be completed in May. Stagecoach will 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 energy-efficient 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 South West's LEP ‘Getting Building Fund’ provided £800,000.