22 June 2003
Top notch new bus station for East Kilbride
The plans to re-develop East Kilbride bus station have been boosted this week as Strathclyde Passenger Transport (SPT) has announced a further £1.1 million for the project, and a commitment to the on-going operating and maintenance costs.
SPT and Land Securities, owner of Olympia and Princes Mall, are working together with South Lanarkshire Council to create an enhanced and enlarged facility in Scotland's sixth largest town. The SPT Authority will formally make the decision this Friday (27/06/03) to commit capital funds to the project and accept maintenance and operating costs.
The public-private partnership project to redevelop SPT's bus station in East Kilbride has already had a cash injection of £2.6 million from Land Securities, and land donated from all three involved parties.
The redeveloped bus station will be a truly state-of-the-art facility with CCTV, electronic passenger information systems, and enhanced passenger waiting areas. The number of departure stances will increase from 8 to 14 to alleviate congestion, particularly at peak times. And a new building for the travel centre and Citizens Advice Bureau will be constructed.
Commenting on the announcement Chair of SPT, Councillor Alistair Watson said this marked a milestone in the regeneration of the bus station. Cllr Watson said:
"As owners and managers of the bus station in East Kilbride, we are delighted to announce this further commitment to the redevelopment of the facility to ensure access of all, attractive services and improved information and services for public transport users.
"This project is an excellent example of the public sector and the private sector working in partnership to deliver a flagship facility to benefit the local community.
"By investing in a new, state-of-the-art facility we are hoping to encourage more people to use public transport when shopping in East Kilbride town centre."
Planning permission for the new facility was granted by South Lanarkshire Council in March 2003. Work is due to start in late Sumer 2003, and is due to be completed by Summer 2004.
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