Work gets under way on the new Radcliffe bus station

Contractors Bethell Construction Ltd have now cleared the Dale Street site, opposite the current station, which was previously a car park.

The project is the second phase in Bury Council’s regeneration plan for Radcliffe town centre, after the £1 million redevelopment of Radcliffe Market, which re-opened in December.

Peter Boulton, head of programme management services at Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), said: “It is really positive news that work has started on this project that, once complete, will provide a significantly upgraded facility and a high quality gateway to the town centre for bus passengers.

“Along with the existing Metrolink stop, the new station will ensure that there are excellent public transport links to jobs, retail, education and leisure in the Radcliffe area.”

The project will deliver increased levels of comfort and security for passengers, as well as upgrades to the surrounding environment, including stepped seating areas, stair and ramp access, and planting.

Under the new plans, passengers will also benefit from new purpose-built shelters, which will incorporate live travel information and CCTV.

Funding is being provided jointly by TfGM and Bury Council and the project is scheduled for completion later this year.

The third phase of the regeneration plan is to develop the old bus station site into shops, a supermarket, a ground level car park off Pilkington Way, and a pedestrian areas.

Bury Council is currently searching for a partner to conduct the work, and hopes to begin construction in early 2016.

Mike Owen, interim chief executive of Bury Council, said: “In 2011, when we announced our renewed determination to regenerate Radcliffe town centre, some people probably thought ‘we’ll believe it when we see it’.

“Well, the evidence is now there for everyone to see, and we’re sure the people of Radcliffe will be very pleased with the new bus station.”