The public is being urged to voice their opinions on the latest proposals to revamp Dewsbury Bus Station. After a £13.9 million investment, potential images showcasing the envisioned transformation have been unveiled, marking the second phase of public engagement for the project.
These plans have been carefully crafted, taking into account the feedback received during a previous public consultation conducted in the summer of 2021. The aim is to fully renovate the existing bus station, creating an accessible, energy-efficient, and contemporary facility for passengers. The authorities are eager to hear from the public and encourage them to participate in shaping the proposed changes.
Tracy Brabin, the Mayor of West Yorkshire, expressed her aspirations, stating, “We want bus travel to be everyone’s first choice in West Yorkshire, not as a last resort but because it’s the most attractive option. Improving facilities for passengers is one part of our journey towards creating a more inclusive and better-connected region. Your opinion matters, so please make the most of this opportunity to shape our proposals to transform Dewsbury Bus Station.”
The latest proposals include a range of enhancements such as increased retail options, improved real-time information displays, the introduction of rail services for convenient onward travel, and enhanced security features. The plans also prioritise environmental sustainability, with features like a “living roof” covered in plants, dedicated cycle parking, and energy-saving measures such as solar panels and an air source heat pump.
Additionally, the proposed renovations will feature a specialised facility known as a “Changing Places” toilet. Designed to cater to the needs of individuals with disabilities, it will include extra features such as a hoist and a height-adjustable changing bench.
Councillor Eric Firth, Portfolio Holder for Transport at Kirklees Council, emphasised the importance of this transformation, stating, “As we envision a more inclusive and better-connected region, the transformation of Dewsbury Bus Station is a crucial step towards making bus travel the most attractive option for the Kirklees Community. We invite you to shape our proposals, ensuring a fully renovated, accessible, and energy-efficient bus station that meets the needs of our passengers. Join us in creating a modern transportation hub that promotes convenience, connectivity, and sustainability for our community.”
The West Yorkshire Combined Authority is partnering with Kirklees Council to develop this project, which will be implemented through the Combined Authority’s Transforming Cities Fund program. The program aims to facilitate walking, cycling, and public transport usage.
The initial round of public consultation on the Dewsbury Bus Station plans took place in the summer of 2021. The current phase of public engagement will remain open until 11:59 pm on Wednesday, 2 August.
To obtain further information and contribute your opinions, please visit yourvoice.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/dewsbury. The project team will also host several face-to-face drop-in events at Dewsbury Market on Wednesday, 5 July, from 10 am to 3 pm, at Dewsbury Bus Station on Saturday, 15 July, from 10 am to 2 pm, and at Dewsbury Bus Station on Tuesday, 18 July, from 8 am to 1 pm. Additionally, webinars will be held on Tuesday, 27 June, from 5 pm to 6 pm, and Thursday, 6 July, from 12 pm to 1 pm. Registration for the webinars can be done at yourvoice.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/dewsbury.
For those preferring hard copies of the materials, they can be obtained free of charge by calling 0113 245 7676 (MetroLine), through Freepost CONSULTATION TEAM (WYCA), or by emailing yourvoice@westyorks-ca.gov.uk.
