£48 million interchange plans move a step closer

9:20am Wednesday 12th September 2012 in News

£48 million interchange plans move a step closer £48 million interchange plans move a step closer

BOLTON’S new £48 million transport interchange has moved a step closer to becoming a reality after town hall chiefs were given power to buy the land needed to build it.

Following a two-day public inquiry in the summer, the government has granted a compulsory purchase order (CPO) enabling the council to force landowners and tenants to sell-up.

Council bosses are still in negotiation with some of the businesses on the site and say they will only use the CPO as a last resort.

A section of land around Newport Street would be demolished and redeveloped if the plans go ahead, to make way for a futuristic-looking new integrated bus and train interchange.

A new artist's impression picture has been released showing the glass-panelled interior of the hub would look.

Full planning permission has already been granted for the transport hub, which is due to open by spring, 2015.

It will include a high level pedestrian bridge between the train and bus station, as well as eco-friendly power-saving schemes and a cycle station.

Some of its “green” features include rainwater recycling, solar panels, air source heat pumps and low energy LED lighting.

The cycle station will include showers, changing cubicles and secure parking for bikes to encourage people to ride into the town centre.

The council says the project will provide better bus and rail links services, as well as improved waiting areas, passenger facilities, accessibility, information, and safety and security.

Leader of Bolton Council , Cllr Cliff Morris, said: “Having the approval means that we can compulsorily purchase the land but we would only use the CPO as a last resort.

“We will still strive to complete negotiations without using it whilst continuing to support and assist the affected businesses where possible to relocate elsewhere within the town centre.”

Keith Davies, the council’s head of development and regeneration, said: “This scheme is a key part of our revised economic strategy.

“It is at the heart of our town centre regeneration plans. A 21st century transport hub will help attract inward investment and secure the type of town centre properties that can provide economic growth.”

Businessman Tasos Patichis, owner of the Olympus restaurant in nearby Great Moor Street, welcomed the news.

He said: “We’re competing with places like Bury and the Trafford Centre, which all have good infrastructure.

“Visitors’ first impressions really matter and the Newport Street area has deteriorated quite a lot.”

Brian Tetlow, chairman of Bolton Civic Trust, said the plans were wasteful and counter-productive, however.

He said: “A lot of people have made representations about this. This is a big idea which ignores the interests of other people in the area.

“The cost is counterproductive, it’s not going to be a convenience to the travelling public as claimed and it will upset the balance of the town centre.

“Nearby buildings shouldn’t need to be demolished because the new transport interchange represents an investment.”

Transport for Greater Manchester is working with the council on the project to ensure the town centre can be easily accessed by bus.

A strategy will also be developed to signpost pedestrian routes to areas of the interchange and the town centre, including the market.

Comments (19)

11:35am Wed 12 Sep 12

tommy says...

Normally I'd pi$$ and moan about this, but let's face it, Bolton's public transport facilities are laughable right now.
Normally I'd pi$$ and moan about this, but let's face it, Bolton's public transport facilities are laughable right now. tommy

12:56pm Wed 12 Sep 12

William2701 says...

Totally the wrong place for this scheme. A new bus station should have been built in the early 1980s on Dawes Street Car Park but Bolton Council, Labour controlled then as now, opted to build the ill fated wasteful Water Place and the Morrisons Superstore on the site.

The Council has in the past opposed the closure of Sub Post Offices in the town. In one of the buildings to be bulldozed is a Sub Post Office. If it cannot relocate then it closes!
Totally the wrong place for this scheme. A new bus station should have been built in the early 1980s on Dawes Street Car Park but Bolton Council, Labour controlled then as now, opted to build the ill fated wasteful Water Place and the Morrisons Superstore on the site. The Council has in the past opposed the closure of Sub Post Offices in the town. In one of the buildings to be bulldozed is a Sub Post Office. If it cannot relocate then it closes! William2701

1:34pm Wed 12 Sep 12

gladrill says...

Throwing money at Bolton it is not long ago they spent money in this area. But of course they must have it.
Throwing money at Bolton it is not long ago they spent money in this area. But of course they must have it. gladrill

2:13pm Wed 12 Sep 12

Undetectableman says...

Transport interchange but no links to the Trams Metro link system which would be great Trams to Bury Manchester and the Airport now that would be a step forward!!
Transport interchange but no links to the Trams Metro link system which would be great Trams to Bury Manchester and the Airport now that would be a step forward!! Undetectableman

2:34pm Wed 12 Sep 12

Horwich Observer says...

£48 million pound for a new bus/train station, what a complete waste of money, not to mention the complete inconvenience building the thing will cause.

Will the transport system be any better? More train carriages? More bus routes? I doubt it!

That is what is needed.
£48 million pound for a new bus/train station, what a complete waste of money, not to mention the complete inconvenience building the thing will cause. Will the transport system be any better? More train carriages? More bus routes? I doubt it! That is what is needed. Horwich Observer

3:15pm Wed 12 Sep 12

harry white2 says...

keep bus station.build a second railway station near moor lane which would be ideal for market and university.ofcourse this will never happen
keep bus station.build a second railway station near moor lane which would be ideal for market and university.ofcourse this will never happen harry white2

3:46pm Wed 12 Sep 12

Reality50 says...

I agree with this scheme and let's face it Moor Lane was too far away from the train station.Saying that i just hope the new interchange has adequate security and lighting and cashpoints as that part of town is so short of cash machines.Also make sure bus leaving times connect with key train services.We currently have the madness of the last train from Piccadilly at 11.11pm hitting Bolton at 11.32pm two minutes after the last buses leave town.It is a lack of public transport integration and let's hope it is rectified.I am glad we haven't got Metrolink and be careful what you wish for as Oldham went two years without a train station and no trains while the Metrolink was built.
I agree with this scheme and let's face it Moor Lane was too far away from the train station.Saying that i just hope the new interchange has adequate security and lighting and cashpoints as that part of town is so short of cash machines.Also make sure bus leaving times connect with key train services.We currently have the madness of the last train from Piccadilly at 11.11pm hitting Bolton at 11.32pm two minutes after the last buses leave town.It is a lack of public transport integration and let's hope it is rectified.I am glad we haven't got Metrolink and be careful what you wish for as Oldham went two years without a train station and no trains while the Metrolink was built. Reality50

8:21pm Wed 12 Sep 12

before and after garden servies says...

can i be the lollipop man
can i be the lollipop man before and after garden servies

5:22am Thu 13 Sep 12

alecfranco says...

So they "THE COUNCIL" Get the new bus station built. As "REALITY50" Put it will everything else be in sync with all the last buses, will there be better than best SECURITY posted at the bus station ESPECIALLY at night & during early MORNING, THE LATE EVENINGS. Do you what I (PROB MANY OTHERS WANT, ESPECIALLY) I would really, really like? MORE "EXTRA" TRAIN CARRIAGES TO CARRY THE "SICK TO OUR BACK TEETH" WEARY & EXHAUSTED FED-UP OF BEING CATTLE PRODDED, FARE PAYING PASSENGERS WHO'VE HAD ENOUGH OF THE LAME EXCUSES THAT THIS GOVERMENTS GOIMG TO FIX THIS LONG TERM PROBLEM & GIVE THEM A MUCH-NEEDED, WANTED COMFORTABLE SEATS TO GO HOME OR GOING ON A SHORT OR LONG JOURNEY. WHY OH WHY? NOT GET THE "MORE THAN ADEQUATE" TRAIN-CARRIAGES SORTED OUT FIRST & FOREMOST FOR A START, WELL BEFORE A £48,000,000, BUS STATION.
So they "THE COUNCIL" Get the new bus station built. As "REALITY50" Put it will everything else be in sync with all the last buses, will there be better than best SECURITY posted at the bus station ESPECIALLY at night & during early MORNING, THE LATE EVENINGS. Do you what I (PROB MANY OTHERS WANT, ESPECIALLY) I would really, really like? MORE "EXTRA" TRAIN CARRIAGES TO CARRY THE "SICK TO OUR BACK TEETH" WEARY & EXHAUSTED FED-UP OF BEING CATTLE PRODDED, FARE PAYING PASSENGERS WHO'VE HAD ENOUGH OF THE LAME EXCUSES THAT THIS GOVERMENTS GOIMG TO FIX THIS LONG TERM PROBLEM & GIVE THEM A MUCH-NEEDED, WANTED COMFORTABLE SEATS TO GO HOME OR GOING ON A SHORT OR LONG JOURNEY. WHY OH WHY? NOT GET THE "MORE THAN ADEQUATE" TRAIN-CARRIAGES SORTED OUT FIRST & FOREMOST FOR A START, WELL BEFORE A £48,000,000, BUS STATION. alecfranco

5:23am Thu 13 Sep 12

alecfranco says...

So they "THE COUNCIL" Get the new bus station built. As "REALITY50" Put it will everything else be in sync with all the last buses, will there be better than best SECURITY posted at the bus station ESPECIALLY at night & during early MORNING, THE LATE EVENINGS. Do you what I (PROB MANY OTHERS WANT, ESPECIALLY) I would really, really like? MORE "EXTRA" TRAIN CARRIAGES TO CARRY THE "SICK TO OUR BACK TEETH" WEARY & EXHAUSTED FED-UP OF BEING CATTLE PRODDED, FARE PAYING PASSENGERS WHO'VE HAD ENOUGH OF THE LAME EXCUSES THAT THIS GOVERMENTS GOIMG TO FIX THIS LONG TERM PROBLEM & GIVE THEM A MUCH-NEEDED, WANTED COMFORTABLE SEATS TO GO HOME OR GOING ON A SHORT OR LONG JOURNEY. WHY OH WHY? NOT GET THE "MORE THAN ADEQUATE" TRAIN-CARRIAGES SORTED OUT FIRST & FOREMOST FOR A START, WELL BEFORE A £48,000,000, BUS STATION.
So they "THE COUNCIL" Get the new bus station built. As "REALITY50" Put it will everything else be in sync with all the last buses, will there be better than best SECURITY posted at the bus station ESPECIALLY at night & during early MORNING, THE LATE EVENINGS. Do you what I (PROB MANY OTHERS WANT, ESPECIALLY) I would really, really like? MORE "EXTRA" TRAIN CARRIAGES TO CARRY THE "SICK TO OUR BACK TEETH" WEARY & EXHAUSTED FED-UP OF BEING CATTLE PRODDED, FARE PAYING PASSENGERS WHO'VE HAD ENOUGH OF THE LAME EXCUSES THAT THIS GOVERMENTS GOIMG TO FIX THIS LONG TERM PROBLEM & GIVE THEM A MUCH-NEEDED, WANTED COMFORTABLE SEATS TO GO HOME OR GOING ON A SHORT OR LONG JOURNEY. WHY OH WHY? NOT GET THE "MORE THAN ADEQUATE" TRAIN-CARRIAGES SORTED OUT FIRST & FOREMOST FOR A START, WELL BEFORE A £48,000,000, BUS STATION. alecfranco

12:31pm Thu 13 Sep 12

BWFC71 says...

harry white2 wrote:
keep bus station.build a second railway station near moor lane which would be ideal for market and university.ofcourse this will never happen
How would people for Blackburn and Darwen get to Bolton Market if that happened?
[quote][p][bold]harry white2[/bold] wrote: keep bus station.build a second railway station near moor lane which would be ideal for market and university.ofcourse this will never happen[/p][/quote]How would people for Blackburn and Darwen get to Bolton Market if that happened? BWFC71

12:42pm Thu 13 Sep 12

BWFC71 says...

Lets get this straight once and for all.....

Majority of bus routes are operated by private bus companies who can set their own timetables and routes. They do not have to, and many don't, rely on other public forms of transport. TfGM has, basically, no say in what and where these bus companies operate. The useless bus station is being built with funds from Bolton Council (how can that be when they are supposedly looking for cuts) and from TfGM (funnily enough money from them is collected by the 10 local authorities of Greater Manchester through the Council tax!!!). Only time when TfGM has a say in routes and timetables are when routes are subsidised such as the majority of evening and Sunday services but they leave teh timetabling and prices to the individual bus companies.

My proposition for teh interchange would have cost much less than the 48 million, as proposed at moment but will undoubtedly increase. It would have involved closing Newport Street to all traffic except buses. CPO (or buy at decent price) all buidlings on the station side of the bridge (i.e. after the Bolton Gate!) and build a decent size bus staion there, basically from teh back end of Morrisons to the station itself - this would involved, yet again, re-arranging the current interchange so that taxis no longer go there - taxis would then have the Trinity Street side to park up and wait for passaengers whilst the unused bus stop across the road from the station could become part of a increased pick-up/drop-off for everyone else. My proposition would mean that there would be no walk-bridge to be built and most of the bus staion would be undercover. Also there would be stops, as currently, at lower end of Newport street for through bus routes (such as 501) and other services. It would mean a bigger bus station then what being currently planned, for less than current cost and all transport facilities would be in one place rather than having a wlak from one to the other via a covered walkway!
Lets get this straight once and for all..... Majority of bus routes are operated by private bus companies who can set their own timetables and routes. They do not have to, and many don't, rely on other public forms of transport. TfGM has, basically, no say in what and where these bus companies operate. The useless bus station is being built with funds from Bolton Council (how can that be when they are supposedly looking for cuts) and from TfGM (funnily enough money from them is collected by the 10 local authorities of Greater Manchester through the Council tax!!!). Only time when TfGM has a say in routes and timetables are when routes are subsidised such as the majority of evening and Sunday services but they leave teh timetabling and prices to the individual bus companies. My proposition for teh interchange would have cost much less than the 48 million, as proposed at moment but will undoubtedly increase. It would have involved closing Newport Street to all traffic except buses. CPO (or buy at decent price) all buidlings on the station side of the bridge (i.e. after the Bolton Gate!) and build a decent size bus staion there, basically from teh back end of Morrisons to the station itself - this would involved, yet again, re-arranging the current interchange so that taxis no longer go there - taxis would then have the Trinity Street side to park up and wait for passaengers whilst the unused bus stop across the road from the station could become part of a increased pick-up/drop-off for everyone else. My proposition would mean that there would be no walk-bridge to be built and most of the bus staion would be undercover. Also there would be stops, as currently, at lower end of Newport street for through bus routes (such as 501) and other services. It would mean a bigger bus station then what being currently planned, for less than current cost and all transport facilities would be in one place rather than having a wlak from one to the other via a covered walkway! BWFC71

7:41pm Thu 13 Sep 12

andy_88 says...

I think this is a good idea but i also think that Newport st needs and face lift as the one of the first things you see is a boarded up pub and a sex shop across the bridge hardly what you want visitors to see when the arrive.
I think this is a good idea but i also think that Newport st needs and face lift as the one of the first things you see is a boarded up pub and a sex shop across the bridge hardly what you want visitors to see when the arrive. andy_88

12:09am Sun 16 Sep 12

Xjbonex says...

I'm all for this new interchange, but people like me who work on Newport street will probably end up losing my job, it's ok saying we are going to do this and do that, but what about us who will end up jobless n probably won't be able to find a new job that fits in with my 3year olds school time! Their is a lot of people's lives that are going to get messed up over this new interchange, so for me I don't agree with it!
I'm all for this new interchange, but people like me who work on Newport street will probably end up losing my job, it's ok saying we are going to do this and do that, but what about us who will end up jobless n probably won't be able to find a new job that fits in with my 3year olds school time! Their is a lot of people's lives that are going to get messed up over this new interchange, so for me I don't agree with it! Xjbonex

3:37pm Mon 17 Sep 12

grimtown says...

Once meet a junior customer service analyst from Northern Trains,still proudly sporting his coporate badge. On the cattle train to Bromley Cross asked a few question all with corporate responses. Excellent the lad will go to the top I'm sure. Because the train was filthy both inside and out most people where standing. To make it worst I'd been on a Swiss train 4 hrs earlier what a contrast, thought I'd landed in new dehli " mind you they probably have cleaner excuses for theres"
Once meet a junior customer service analyst from Northern Trains,still proudly sporting his coporate badge. On the cattle train to Bromley Cross asked a few question all with corporate responses. Excellent the lad will go to the top I'm sure. Because the train was filthy both inside and out most people where standing. To make it worst I'd been on a Swiss train 4 hrs earlier what a contrast, thought I'd landed in new dehli " mind you they probably have cleaner excuses for theres" grimtown

3:45pm Mon 17 Sep 12

grimtown says...

Ask the council what will happen to the old bus station. Waste land for re development wwwwwhhooooo nnnowwws when ?
Like the rest of the horded regeneragtion sites unsold and uncompleted looking slightly like Belfast in the 70's.

Not really seen any clean new bus rolling stock in 20 years in the town most are running empty due to the high fares and unclean foors seats and windows.

The line between Bolton and Manchester is an eyesore and does not really advertise Bolton in a good light.
Ask the council what will happen to the old bus station. Waste land for re development wwwwwhhooooo nnnowwws when ? Like the rest of the horded regeneragtion sites unsold and uncompleted looking slightly like Belfast in the 70's. Not really seen any clean new bus rolling stock in 20 years in the town most are running empty due to the high fares and unclean foors seats and windows. The line between Bolton and Manchester is an eyesore and does not really advertise Bolton in a good light. grimtown

12:38am Tue 18 Sep 12

ablueroom says...

Xjbonex wrote:
I'm all for this new interchange, but people like me who work on Newport street will probably end up losing my job, it's ok saying we are going to do this and do that, but what about us who will end up jobless n probably won't be able to find a new job that fits in with my 3year olds school time! Their is a lot of people's lives that are going to get messed up over this new interchange, so for me I don't agree with it!
Perhaps if you had attended school and bothered to learn the Queen's English - you wouldn't be in the predicament you now find yourself in. I don't particularly agree with the Interchange, but neither do I agree that it should be discarded so that the illiterate can be kept in employment. The project will keep educated Architects, Engineers and Technicians in work; i.e. the people that took the trouble to get their qualifications. So whilst I doubt its commercial merit, I welcome the project for the security it will bring to the families of the workers delivering the development.
[quote][p][bold]Xjbonex[/bold] wrote: I'm all for this new interchange, but people like me who work on Newport street will probably end up losing my job, it's ok saying we are going to do this and do that, but what about us who will end up jobless n probably won't be able to find a new job that fits in with my 3year olds school time! Their is a lot of people's lives that are going to get messed up over this new interchange, so for me I don't agree with it![/p][/quote]Perhaps if you had attended school and bothered to learn the Queen's English - you wouldn't be in the predicament you now find yourself in. I don't particularly agree with the Interchange, but neither do I agree that it should be discarded so that the illiterate can be kept in employment. The project will keep educated Architects, Engineers and Technicians in work; i.e. the people that took the trouble to get their qualifications. So whilst I doubt its commercial merit, I welcome the project for the security it will bring to the families of the workers delivering the development. ablueroom

3:55pm Tue 18 Sep 12

BWFC71 says...

grimtown wrote:
Once meet a junior customer service analyst from Northern Trains,still proudly sporting his coporate badge. On the cattle train to Bromley Cross asked a few question all with corporate responses. Excellent the lad will go to the top I'm sure. Because the train was filthy both inside and out most people where standing. To make it worst I'd been on a Swiss train 4 hrs earlier what a contrast, thought I'd landed in new dehli " mind you they probably have cleaner excuses for theres"
Northern Train's contract with the DfT specifies that the company does not rent new rolling stock - that is something the Government, at the time, specified as they believed that the area, and teh franchise, would have enough stock.. Therefore, to be fair, it is not Northern Rail (or more specifically Nederlands Spoorwegen) that are at fault but the government in charge at the DfT (in this case it was Labour). Also franchises are not allowed to own rolling stock - they can only rent it.
[quote][p][bold]grimtown[/bold] wrote: Once meet a junior customer service analyst from Northern Trains,still proudly sporting his coporate badge. On the cattle train to Bromley Cross asked a few question all with corporate responses. Excellent the lad will go to the top I'm sure. Because the train was filthy both inside and out most people where standing. To make it worst I'd been on a Swiss train 4 hrs earlier what a contrast, thought I'd landed in new dehli " mind you they probably have cleaner excuses for theres"[/p][/quote]Northern Train's contract with the DfT specifies that the company does not rent new rolling stock - that is something the Government, at the time, specified as they believed that the area, and teh franchise, would have enough stock.. Therefore, to be fair, it is not Northern Rail (or more specifically Nederlands Spoorwegen) that are at fault but the government in charge at the DfT (in this case it was Labour). Also franchises are not allowed to own rolling stock - they can only rent it. BWFC71

4:01pm Tue 18 Sep 12

BWFC71 says...

grimtown wrote:
Ask the council what will happen to the old bus station. Waste land for re development wwwwwhhooooo nnnowwws when ? Like the rest of the horded regeneragtion sites unsold and uncompleted looking slightly like Belfast in the 70's. Not really seen any clean new bus rolling stock in 20 years in the town most are running empty due to the high fares and unclean foors seats and windows. The line between Bolton and Manchester is an eyesore and does not really advertise Bolton in a good light.
The state of the buses and the "new" buses are of no concern to TfGM as they do not own 99.9% of the buses. Teh buses are owned by the private bus companies and can be allowed to be up to 15 years old, and older is some cases. School buses which are under contract to TfGM have a maximum age limit of 8 years old.

There are new buses in Bolton, you just need to look more carefully. TfGM bought quite q few midi-length hybrid buses to be used on TfGM contract services only - and many of them are on hire to Maytree until they either lose teh contract at the next franchise round, or the TfGM decide that the franchised route is not worth the money to operate. First's new buses are mainly concentrated on the 8, 36, 37, 582 routes!

But remember 80% of all bus services in Bolton are operated on a commercial basis (i.e. with no financial/franchise help from the TfGM) - but 95% of all services operated in evenings and Sundays are contracted out hence reason why a different bus company runs the service compared to the daytime operator.
[quote][p][bold]grimtown[/bold] wrote: Ask the council what will happen to the old bus station. Waste land for re development wwwwwhhooooo nnnowwws when ? Like the rest of the horded regeneragtion sites unsold and uncompleted looking slightly like Belfast in the 70's. Not really seen any clean new bus rolling stock in 20 years in the town most are running empty due to the high fares and unclean foors seats and windows. The line between Bolton and Manchester is an eyesore and does not really advertise Bolton in a good light.[/p][/quote]The state of the buses and the "new" buses are of no concern to TfGM as they do not own 99.9% of the buses. Teh buses are owned by the private bus companies and can be allowed to be up to 15 years old, and older is some cases. School buses which are under contract to TfGM have a maximum age limit of 8 years old. There are new buses in Bolton, you just need to look more carefully. TfGM bought quite q few midi-length hybrid buses to be used on TfGM contract services only - and many of them are on hire to Maytree until they either lose teh contract at the next franchise round, or the TfGM decide that the franchised route is not worth the money to operate. First's new buses are mainly concentrated on the 8, 36, 37, 582 routes! But remember 80% of all bus services in Bolton are operated on a commercial basis (i.e. with no financial/franchise help from the TfGM) - but 95% of all services operated in evenings and Sundays are contracted out hence reason why a different bus company runs the service compared to the daytime operator. BWFC71

Comments are closed on this article.

click2find

About cookies

We want you to enjoy your visit to our website. That's why we use cookies to enhance your experience. By staying on our website you agree to our use of cookies. Find out more about the cookies we use.

I agree