Bus depot redesign plan ahead of public control

Depots in Sheffield, Barnsley, Rotherham and Doncaster could be adapted ahead of planned franchising

Six major bus depots are set to be redesigned as part of preparations for a publicly controlled network.

The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) has appointed architects to produce feasibility designs for depots in Sheffield, Barnsley, Rotherham and Doncaster.

The studies will examine how each site can be adapted for the region's planned franchising model and made ready for a future fleet of electric buses.

The Mayor of South Yorkshire and SYMCA agreed in March to implement bus franchising, following a public consultation.

The plans include the redesigning of Sheffield's Olive Grove, Ecclesfield, and Holbrook depots, along with Rawmarsh in Rotherham, Wakefield Road in Barnsley and Doncaster's Leger Way.

Officials said the work would look at the condition and layout of each depot, testing whether they could be modernised or whether more extensive redevelopment was needed.

Sheffield's Olive Grove depot is one of six to be redesigned in preparation for a publicly controlled network

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service the feasibility designs would also set out how charging infrastructure and other upgrades for zero-emission vehicles could be installed.

Olive Grove in Sheffield, currently used by First Bus, has been described as "critical" to the first phase of franchising because of its size and central location.

Once the designs are complete, SYMCA will decide whether individual depots should be refurbished, partially rebuilt or, if necessary, redeveloped entirely.

Any works are expected to be carried out by the current operators under the combined authority's oversight.

The franchising model means SYMCA will set routes, timetables and fares across the region with bus services brought under one brand.

The move will cost SYMCA £25m to transition to the new franchising system over the next three years.

Under the proposal bus companies will no longer be able to run the services they choose but will have to bid for specific contracts set by SYMCA.

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