The next step for town’s £48m interchange plan
9:12am Friday 27th January 2012 in News
The next step for town’s £48m interchange plan
BOLTON’S proposed £48 million transport interchange will be the subject of a special planning meeting.
Transport for Greater Manchester’s latest consultation on the development was completed at the end of last year and the plans for the interchange include eco-friendly power saving schemes and a cycle station.
A high level pedestrian bridge between the train and bus station will also be covered to protect passengers from the weather.
The bridge will be wide enough to accommodate large volumes of people, although there will not be a “travelator” similar to those seen at airports.
Project manager Russell Dyson, of TfGM, in a letter to people who took part in the public consultation, said: “While a moving walkway was considered for the pedestrian bridge, it was decided the additional design, construction and maintenance costs, along with the increased energy requirement, would not be an efficient use of resources.”
The new interchange, if approved by planning chiefs, will also incorporate rainwater recycling, solar panels, air source heat pumps and low energy LED lighting.
Plans have also been made to ensure there will be access and waiting facilities for weddings and funerals at St Patrick’s Church.
The council has already approved the compulsory purchase of properties standing in the way of the scheme. The order, requested by TfGM, was approved last year, after councillors were told the development would be key to the regeneration of the town.
TfGM is underwriting the cost of the purchase of land and property in the Railway Triangle, which borders Newport Street and Great Moor Street.
The planning meeting will be held on Thursday, March 15, at 2pm, at the Town Hall, in the council chamber.
