The first phase of construction works has started on a new bus interchange in Stevenage Town Centre. The interchange, which will be located on the car park adjacent to Stevenage Leisure Centre, and alongside Lytton Way, will improve existing connectivity and transport links across Stevenage and is part of the wider 20-year, £1bn regeneration programme currently underway in the town.

The new interchange will provide a significant upgrade on the existing bus station and will include covered waiting facilities with extensive seating areas, toilets, café, live passenger information boards, and greatly improved accessibility features. The new location, combined with the changes being delivered through the SG1 scheme, will improve routes and connections between the railway station and the town centre. It will also enhance the connection between the existing cycle network and the bus and rail networks, providing integrated links between Stevenage’s transport hubs.

The first phase of construction includes utilities and enabling works. The main phase of construction will begin this autumn and existing bus services will continue to run as normal until the new interchange is completed. The development is likely to be completed and launched to the public in autumn 2021. The work has been funded by a £9.6m Local Growth Fund investment from Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).

Cllr Sharon Taylor OBE, Leader of Stevenage Borough Council, commented on the launch of the new development.

“We’re very happy to see the launch of the new bus interchange development and it will mark another major step forward in the wider regeneration programme. This year has been exceptionally challenging, however we have made significant progress on our three live projects – the Town Square, Town Square North Block and Queensway North – which is testament to the strength of our partnerships and to the resilience of everyone we’re working with. The bus interchange development not only significantly improves transport links across the town and provides better and more secure facilities for bus users; it also facilitates the development of other projects, like SG1 taking place.

“This is a really exciting time for Stevenage and we’re optimistic that this development, combined with our others that are near completion – and the launch of the Town Investment Plan – will provide the boost that people need at the moment.”

Minister for Regional Growth and Local Government, Luke Hall MP said:

“We want to level up the connectivity of our towns across the country, boosting local economies and unlocking opportunities for our communities. That is why we have invested £9.6m, through the Local Growth Fund, in the new bus interchange in Stevenage Town Centre. I am delighted that the residents of Stevenage will soon benefit from more efficient connections, integrated transport hubs and crucially, improved accessibility.”

Adam Wood, Head of Infrastructure & Regeneration at Hertfordshire LEP, said:

“The new bus interchange will replace existing tired infrastructure with a sleek and modern design and new public amenities to improve the user experience, in a new location that greatly enhances connectivity between the town’s transport hubs to encourage a shift towards the use of public transport. The interchange is a key part of the wider regeneration of Stevenage and we look forward to seeing the work take shape over the coming months.”

For further information on the bus interchange and the Stevenage Regeneration programme visit www.Stevenage-Even-Better.com and follow on @StevenageBetter on both Twitter and Instagram

You can also leave your views on how up to £25m of funding is invested in our town by visiting the MyTown portal at www.Stevenage-Even-Better.com/my-town