£1.9 million improvement work will soon begin to redevelop Farnworth Bus Station, bringing improved facilities for passengers and a more attractive gateway to the town centre.
The work was recently approved by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA). The existing bus station on King Street will close for the duration of the work after the final bus service on Sunday 4 March 2018.
Delivered by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) and Bolton Council, the new facility will include improved bus shelters and seating; CCTV; street lighting; cycle parking; improved passenger information and wayfinding signage.
Bus services will use existing bus stops on Market Street or temporary stops nearby while work takes place. Passengers are advised to check the TfGM website for details of bus stop locations and bus route changes.
During construction, King Street will be closed to all vehicles at the junction with Market Street – access for local residents and businesses will be maintained from the Albert Road junction.
At the same time, the junction of King Street and Market Street will be upgraded to improve pedestrian access into the town centre and bus journeys to and from the new bus station.
These temporary arrangements will be in place until the bus station reopens, which is expected to be in summer 2018.
As part of the scheme, there will also be a number of changes and improvements to bus stops on Market Street, pedestrian crossings will be upgraded and pavements will be resurfaced.
The work is being carried out by local construction firm George Cox & Sons Ltd. Once open, the new bus station will support Bolton Council’s vision for the regeneration of the town centre.
The council recently submitted Farnworth to Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham’s Town Centre Challenge – a new initiative to regenerate town centres across the region.
Councillor Andrew Fender, Chair of the TfGM Committee, said: “The redeveloped bus station for Farnworth will offer more comfortable waiting areas, as well as a light, bright and safer environment for passengers.
“This project is part of the Salford Bolton Network Improvement programme, which is designed to benefit residents by upgrading the transport network and offering better connections to employment opportunities, health, education and leisure.”
Leader of Bolton Council, Cllr Linda Thomas, added: “This £1.9 million investment in the bus station and public realm will really contribute to regeneration of the whole area.
“We are committed to Farnworth and we are working with our partners to make change happen.
“Once complete, the bus station will provide improved facilities for passengers as well as offering a modern gateway to the town for both residents and visitors. It will also tie in with our planned improvement work in the Brackley Street shopping area.
“Farnworth is a priority for us and we have already submitted it for inclusion in Mayor Andy Burnham’s Town Centre Challenge, which is intended to reenergise town centres.”
The bus station improvements are being funded by the Greater Manchester Local Growth Deal as part of the Salford Bolton Network Improvement (SBNI) programme.
For further information on the new bus station plans, visit www.tfgm.com/sbni/farnworth-bus-station.