‘Shambles’ reaction to bus station plans

IT WAS billed as the “spectacular new gateway” to both Cardiff and Wales, but another setback in the bus station saga has left many people disappointed.

When the first images of the new bus station were revealed in June 2015, it was for a stunning building designed by a world leading firm of architects.

But, as reported in yesterday’s Echo, the developer has now gone back to the drawing board to make it financially viable.

It is the latest delay in getting work started.

Despite the latest setback the politician in charge, Russell Goodway, says he can get both planning and cabinet approval so that work could finally start in the new year.

But the news there will be another redesign has left many in the city unimpressed, with many responding on social media to our report about the latest setback.

Many said it was a “waste of money”, or that it left Cardiff looking like an embarrassment.

On our Cardiff Online Facebook page Andy Williams said: “What an absolute shambles. The council are treating us council tax payers like mugs and wasting our money. If we’re all honest, we’ve known for quite a while there will be no bus station and it now seems more unlikely than ever that we will have one.”

Sandra Jones said: “It’s a disgrace. If you catch a train to Cardiff and want to get National Express bus to airports, you have to walk to Sophia Gardens with luggage or get a taxi (extra expense).

“Trains and bus stations should be in close proximity of each other, whoever came up with the way things are now should be sacked! It’s an embarrassment when people come to visit our capital city and are faced with this.”

Diane Sourlis added: “Pathetic – must be the only capital city without one!”

Pat Williams said: “What waste of public money !!!! ”

Chris Jacob said: “Whilst a

Ididn’t like the design of the value engineered renders this may provide us with a quality project that this site and the city centre deserve. On the other hand, what on earth have the council been doing and how has it gone out of hand so badly?

“It’s a disgrace we don’t have a central bus station and likely won’t have one in time when an extra 7,000 plus people are working in the vicinity.”