Site announced for bus station

The county council’s purchase of the property in Watson Road ends months of speculation over the likely site of the new facility.

If proposals are given the go-ahead, the new bus station will be located at the junction of Newcastle Street and Watson Road, next to the Queen Street car park and just a few hundred metres from the current site.

“I am delighted that we are a significant step closer to being able to announce a new bus station for Worksop,” said Coun Richard Jackson, chairman of the county council’s transport and highways committee.

“We have been working closely with Bassetlaw Council and bus operators for many years to find a suitable location in order to progress plans for a 21st century facility for the people of the town.”

“Now that we have identified a site I, for one, can’t wait to see work begin.”

Proposals for the new bus station are likely to go before the county council for approval in the autumn. If given the green light it could be up and running by 2014.

The building is likely to be closely modelled on Retford bus station, which celebrates its fifth birthday this month and is still seeing passenger numbers rising.

It would boast modern facilities including interactive displays for bus arrival and departure times.

Bassetlaw Council is a partner in the bus station and will contribute towards the running costs. Leader Con Simon Greaves said the purchase of the building was an ‘important first step’ in providing the town with a bus station.

“The district council is pleased to be part of delivering this project to the people of Worksop. What we have at the moment is not fit for purpose and hasn’t been for as long as I can remember.”

And portfolio holder for town centres Coun David Pressley added: “It was my number one priority to get a bus station in Worksop, and I am happy it is coming.”

The county council will provide over £3 million to the new facility as part of its £100 million capital programme to modernise libraries, schools, youth centres and bus stations.

The county council will also take over the running of the travel information office, in the Stagecoach depot, to ensure continuity of service for passengers in Worksop until the new bus station is up and running.

Local businesses near the site have stressed they are still open for business as usual.