Multi-million pound County Durham transportation hub project resumes “state-of-the-art” improvements

A multi-million pound project to deliver a new “state-of-the-art” bus station in the heart of Durham City is getting back on track following unforeseen issues.

Durham County Council is delivering the project to provide new first class facilities on the site of the current station, which serves as a major transport hub for both the city and county. The new development will ensure footfall into the city centre to support its independent retailers, its hospitality sector, and its indoor and outdoor markets.

It will also help support businesses in their recovery from the coronavirus pandemic by virtue of bringing people into Durham and encourage more people to use sustainable forms of transport, reducing carbon emissions.

Work began on site in February last year with the demolition of the old station building. In the course of the demolition, it emerged that additional unforeseen works would be required to support a grade two listed building adjacent to the site, before construction on the new station could begin.

These works, for which additional approval had to be sought given the building’s listed status, are now close to completion allowing the final phase of ground works on site to begin this week ahead of construction of the new station.

The extra work now means the council is working towards delivering the scheme by Spring 2023, the original target date for the project.

Cllr Elizabeth Scott, the council’s cabinet member for economic regeneration, said: “We are delighted that we are now on the brink of construction work on the new station getting underway.

“The new facility represents a significant investment by the council which will bring people into the city who will spend money at shops and hospitality businesses; all helping our economy to recover following the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.

“The new state-of-the-art facilities can also only help encourage more people to use public transport, which is more sustainable and helps in our ambitions to reduce car journeys and emissions.”