How Durham Bus Station could look under new plans to replace dated city centre interchange

One of the images from Durham County Council showing what the new bus station in North Road could look like if proposals are approved.

The images have been released by Durham County Council as it seeks the views of passengers on the plans to create a new hub, which will be more modern and welcoming to visitors.

The council has said many of the design features are in response to feedback received from a consultation in 2019, when the council asked the public what they felt should be done to improve the facility.

One of the main priorities identified was improved safety and reduced fear of crime, so CCTV will monitor the entire concourse, while a two-storey mezzanine overlooking the passenger waiting area would increase “natural surveillance.”

How Durham Bus Station in North Road looks now. Image copyright Google Maps.

Public consultation will run from Friday, January 17, to 10pm on Sunday, February 9.

Along with the drop-in sessions, questionnaires will be online from Friday and council officers will be visiting the station to talk to passengers about the plans and complete surveys.

Two drop-in sessions will be held in the Church Hall at North Road Methodist Church this Friday from 1pm to 6.30pm and Saturday from 10am to 2pm.

Councillor Carl Marshall, cabinet member for economic regeneration, said: “We want to provide residents with a safe and attractive space, while ensuring visitors to the city get the best first impression possible.

The council has said it wants to create a new transport hub which is more welcoming to bus passengers.

“High-quality transport infrastructure is vital for a prosperous economy and a key factor for businesses considering investing in an area.

“Our plans for Durham Bus Station are part of a wider vision to improve transport links and enhance towns and villages across the county.”

Once the consultation closes, comments will be passed onto the designers and the design will be reviewed ahead of a final planning application being submitted.

If planning permission is approved, demolition of the existing bus station is expected to begin in late summer or early autumn before construction begins on the new facility in early 2021 and likely to be opened later in the year.

During this period, all buses will be moved on-street with stops and timetables advertised in advance.

To take part in the consultation online, visit www.durham.gov.uk/consultation from Friday, with comments to be made by 10pm on Sunday, February 9.