The redevelopment of Farnworth Bus Station is now complete with the new, improved facility due to open to the public on Sunday 8 July.
Delivered by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) and Bolton Council, the new bus station marks an important milestone for Farnworth, providing a more attractive entry point to the town centre and supporting regeneration in the area.
The first bus is due to set off from the new bus station at 7.55am on Sunday 8 July. Passengers will find improved bus shelters, seating and street lighting; CCTV; cycle parking; improved journey information and wayfinding signage.
Farnworth-based construction firm George Cox & Sons carried out the work in just five months.
In addition, the junction of King Street and Market Street has been upgraded to improve walking routes into the town centre and bus journeys to and from the new bus station.
A number of improvements have also been made to key town centre bus stops on Market Street, pedestrian crossings have been upgraded and footways resurfaced.
Councillor Mark Aldred, Chair of the TfGM Committee, said: “I look forward to the opening of a much-improved bus station for Farnworth, which marks the culmination of a lot of hard work.
“I’m sure passengers will be impressed by more comfortable seating and shelters as well as a light, bright and safer environment in which to wait for their bus. By offering these enhanced facilities, we hope many more people will choose public transport for their journeys.
“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 help to regenerate the whole area. We’re committed to Farnworth and we continue to work with our partners and the local community to make change happen.
“The new bus station provides improved facilities for passengers as well as offering a modern gateway to the town for both residents and visitors.
“Farnworth is a priority for us and it’s included in Mayor Andy Burnham’s Town Centre Challenge, which aims to re-energise town centres.”
The bus station improvements are financed through the Greater Manchester Local Growth Deal as part of the Salford Bolton Network Improvement (SBNI) programme.
For further information on the new bus station, visit www.tfgm.com/sbni/farnworth-bus-station.