Green light for new bus station
THE £24 million development of a new Dudley Interchange station has secured full planning permission and partners in the scheme, Transport for West Midlands and Dudley Council, will now move onto the next stages, including securing remaining parcels of land and finalising the detailed designs to appointing a construction contractor, before building work can begin.
The project will see the existing bus station, built in 1986 and currently the oldest in the West Midlands, demolished to make way for a modern bus and Metro tram interchange allowing passengers to move between services.
The first phase of the Wednesbury to
Brierley Hill Metro extension is currently under construction and set to open in 2024. The second phase will see the route go to Brierley Hill, including a stop at the Merry Hill Shopping Centre.
Also under development is a new cross-city bus route, to provide faster journey times, between Birmingham and the new Dudley Interchange as part of the region’s plans to improve bus services.
Dudley’s planning committee approved the plans which will deliver a new two-storey interchange with waiting areas, shop units, live travel information screens, and solar panels on the roof to reduce the building’s carbon footprint.
Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “This is another significant milestone in the development of the new Dudley Interchange and I would like to thank the planning committee for supporting this important scheme.
“It is clear from their decision that they recognise a modern, efficient and comfortable bus and tram interchange will not only be warmly welcomed by the people of Dudley but will also create a fantastic gateway for visitors to the town centre.
“Work is underway on the new Metro line and a new cross-city bus route is being established to speed up journey times to Sandwell, Birmingham and Wolverhampton.
“This is great news for Dudley and will vastly improve connectivity for local residents for many years to come. I cannot wait to see this scheme come to fruition and change lives for the better.”
Dudley’s Councillor Simon Phipps said: “This transport interchange is a key part of more than £1billion worth of regeneration activity in Dudley. This scheme will revolutionise how people visit and commute to and from the borough and provides an excellent boost for public transport.”