Bus station will be demolished, councillor confirms

A new market square will be built, replacing the current bus station

A transport hub will be demolished later this year as part of a town centre revamp, a councillor has confirmed.

Controversial plans to replace Bracknell bus station, in Berkshire, with a new market square were published in March.

Paul Bidwell, Bracknell Forest Council's member for economy and regeneration, said the next "major development", including the demolition of the high street car park, would take place soon.

The proposals were previously met with anger by some locals.

The development plans follow the opening of the Lexicon shopping centre in 2017 through the Bracknell Regeneration Partnership

The demolition is part of the council's plans to improve the southern gateway area of Bracknell, which includes the current bus station and ground near to the train station.

A new market square will be built, with buses stopping on a looping route around its edge instead of at a bus station.

Planners said it would make the town centre "more accessible" and potentially "safer" by preventing people from crossing the bus station on foot.

Speaking to That's TV Thames Valley, Mr Bidwell said: “What we want to do there is provide a mixed development of not just retail, commercial – but housing, essential worker housing, elderly housing.

"Also, we’d like to provide some community activity space.”

'A crime'

But volunteer staff at Bracknell Bus Station Cafeteria previously told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) that they disagreed with the plans.

Manager Chris Griggs said: "You've got disabled people getting off the buses, the old people - they struggle to get into town from here, how are they going to feel if the bus station is further out?

"If they move it, it would be a crime in my eyes," she added.

Other major changes taking place include the redevelopment of the old council offices, Easthampstead house, as well as the old magistrates' court.