Go South Coast has bought the former First Bus depot at Empress Road in Southampton, which will serve as headquarters for its Bluestar business including Unilink.
The bulk of Bluestar and Unilink operations previously at premises in Eastleigh are in the process of moving to Empress Road. At the time of writing 78 buses had transferred, with 32 Unilink vehicles to follow over the weekend of 22 and 23 April.
“We’ve moved in two batches to reflect the return to school and university dates after Easter in order to minimise the number of rota changes for drivers and our commercial team,” a spokesperson says, adding that 25 Social Care in Action community transport minibuses are also at Empress Road.
First’s former City Reds operation at Empress Road closed after service on 18 February. The depot housed approximately 55 buses at that time. Bluestar took on several former First routes after that date. Acquisition of Empress Road gives an operating centre that is more convenient to Southampton city centre.
According to the Provincial Society, Empress Road opened in August 2010 as a new build. Go South Coast is in the process of introducing a significant amount of new equipment to the premises. That includes LED lighting, a paying in machine, lift columns and vehicle ramps, along with air compressors and other workshop items.
In addition, the spokesperson says that bus washes will be overhauled and updated, and spill-free fuelling equipment installed. Rebranding, repainting and a thorough clean of the site have already been carried out.
Speaking about the depot purchase, Go South Coast Managing Director Andrew Wickham says: “Bluestar stepped in to run additional services across the city in February following news that First Bus had decided to withdraw from the area, so we were keen to acquire extra space for our growing team and fleet of vehicles.
“Although part of our operation will remain in Eastleigh, we are delighted to confirm that the depot at Empress Road in Southampton is our new HQ. It gives us the perfect base from which to provide comprehensive bus services across the city and surrounding area.”
