New Cheltenham park and ride by M5 set to open

Work started on phase 2 in May 2023

A new park and ride by a Cheltenham motorway junction is set to open on Monday.

Work on phase 2 of The Arle Court Transport Hub, which included a new multi-storey car park and bus terminal, was completed last week.

It is located by Arle Court roundabout, between GCHQ and junction 11 of the M5.

Gloucestershire County Council said the project "provides the necessary infrastructure to facilitate sustainable travel in Gloucestershire".

The £33m park and ride was built to ease local traffic problems for residents and visitors to and from the west Cheltenham area, as well as those arriving from the M5.

The council said the scheme will cut congestion, lower CO2 emissions and improve air quality.

The entire transport hub will provide around 1,000 parking spaces on-site, with 860 being in the new four-storey car park, and includes electric vehicle charge points and facilities for cyclists.

The third and final phase of the scheme, which includes more parking spaces, is due to finish by November.

Works were completed last week

Councillor David Gray, cabinet member for environment and planning, said the scheme "plays a crucial role".

"The new facilities will not only make public transport and sustainable travel options more accessible, but also play a crucial role in reducing traffic congestion and improving air quality in Cheltenham and Gloucester," he said.

Kier, which was awarded the construction contract, started work on phase 2 in May 2023.

Regional director at Kier Construction Western & Wales, Andy Bolas said: "This state-of-the-art hub will provide a welcome boost to sustainable transport links in Cheltenham, and we look forward to seeing it being used for years to come."