A major step forward is being taken as work gets under way on the government-funded £15.7m redevelopment of Wigan Bus Station.
After the final bus service on Sunday 30 July, the existing bus station on Hallgate will close so work can begin on a striking new facility on the same site, delivered by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM).
During the work, by contractor VINCI Construction UK, bus services will be maintained and temporarily relocated to stops within the town centre. These arrangements will be in place until the new bus station opens, which is expected to be by the end of 2018.
Funding for the Wigan Bus Station development is being supported by central Government through the Greater Manchester Local Growth Deal Programme.
Councillor Andrew Fender, Chair of the TfGM Committee, said:
‘’Once complete, it will be a much more attractive environment, offering improved facilities for passengers and a modern gateway to the town for both residents and visitors.
“The new bus station is just one part of our wider strategy to make travel easier across Greater Manchester.
“We’re investing heavily in the transport network, including interchanges, extending Metrolink to Trafford Park and the intu Trafford Centre and encouraging cycling through the Cycle City programme.”
Councillor David Molyneux, Wigan Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: “A new bus station in Wigan is a key part in delivering an improved transport system for the borough that is fit for the decades ahead.
“It will support the economic growth of the town and enable people to get to and from their places of work as well as Wigan’s great shops, markets, restaurants and bars in a modern, safe and welcoming environment.”