BOLTON’S new bus interchange opened its doors to commuters yesterday, as it was hailed as a ‘superb’ facility fit for the 21st century.

Hundreds of passengers got their first look at the £48 million centre on Monday morning, after it opened over the weekend.

Transport bosses and key town hall figures were also given a tour of the modern facilities, including the ‘skylink’ bridge which connects the hub to the adjacent railway station.

Cllr Cliff Morris, leader of Bolton Council, said: “It really is great to see the interchange open. We have waited a long time for this, but it has been worth the wait.

“I have already heard people commenting on how bright, airy, and friendly it is. It has everything that you need in the modern day.

“You can see from the entrance to the interchange right down through Newport Street, which is going to be great for the town centre.”

Commuter Paul Jones, who was travelling into the town centre from Harwood, said: “It looks great, I am really impressed — it is a big change from the old bus station.

“It has obviously taken a while to build and we have seen it going up gradually over the last few years, but now that it’s finally done I think people will be really positive about it when they come through here.”

The taxi rank next to the railway station also re-opened yesterday, having been moved during the building works.

It has taken around three years to complete the new interchange, which acts as a replacement for the old Moor Lane bus station.

'Bon voyage' - the last journey from Bolton Bus Station in Moor Lane

John O’Callaghan, managing director of contractors Kier Construction Northern, said: “Construction of the Bolton Interchange was the largest and technically most challenging of the three interchanges we have undertaken in partnership with TfGM through the North West Construction Hub.

“We are very proud to be handing over to the people of Bolton what we hope will prove to be a superb facility for many years to come.”

The interchange also houses a new Greggs bakery, the fourth in the town centre.

Greggs area manager Max Warner-Tate said: “Our customers have said that they really like that the store is open plan.

“It is a fabulous space and it is obviously the perfect place for people to stop when they are going to and from work.”