Bus station’s replacement plan unveiled
NEW plans have been revealed to knock down and replace Ormskirk Bus Station as part of wider improvements to the town centre.
A public consultation has been launched on what is being dubbed the ‘Ormskirk Eastern Gateyway Project’ and is designed to make the area more attractive and more accessible for pedestrians and cyclists.
A previous proposal would have seen three-and-four-storey blocks housing 198 students flats above the station but it was axed in 2019 after Downing Developments pulled out of the scheme.
Council chiefs insisted they remained committed to a redevelopment and planners now want to run a cycle lane through the site of the current building and build a smaller one on the opposite side of the station.
The project has been drawn up by West Lancashire Borough Council and Lancashire County Council, who say they want to “make this area even better for the people who live, visit, shop and work there.”
Under the proposal, the smaller bus station building would house public toilets and facilities for drivers, while improvements would also be carried out on Moor Street and St Helens Road.
The suggested cycle path would run from Moor Street and link to the recently improved pedestrian and cycle path to the rail station.
Improved pedestrian access and new benches and trees are proposed as part of efforts to make Moor Street more appealing.
Council chiefs say the Ormskirk Eastern Gateway Project links in with plans already agreed to improve the footpaths and create dedicated cycle lanes along St
Helens Road and Ruff Lane.
Cllr Ian Moran, Leader of West Lancashire Borough Council and portfolio holder for economic regeneration, said: “These are very exciting plans for Ormskirk.
“Please take part in our consultation as we really want to hear your views on the aims and objectives of our proposals.
“We want to make this the best possible scheme for the town and the views of those who live in, work and visit Ormskirk are extremely important.”
Cllr Keith Iddon, Cabinet member for Highways and Transport at Lancashire County Council, said: “This scheme looks to build on the recent investment focused on Moor Street to make Ormskirk more attractive to businesses, visitors, and everyone who lives and works there.
“A key element of these proposals involves improving sustainable transport options for public transport users, pedestrians and cyclists as part of our ongoing plans to encourage walking and cycling and reduce congestion in the town centre.
“We are very pleased to be working with West Lancashire Borough Council on this scheme, and I would ask people to engage in the consultation and let us know what they think.”
To take part in the public consultation, which opened on Monday, January 25 and runs until February 21, visit: https:// westlancs.citizenspace.com/ engagement/ormskirk-easterngateway