Council approves funding for new coach station

Plans to build a brand new coach station in the heart of Plymouth city centre have taken a major step forward with the approval of Council funding.

The £4.17 million project will provide a new facility for long distance coaches and a surface-level car park with around 100 spaces on the site of the former Mayflower West car park in the city’s West End.

It will also include an indoor waiting area in the former Lloyds Bank building, with toilets, comfy seating, ‘real time’ information screens, a ticket office and a food, drink and newsagent concession, as well as:

• a sheltered outside waiting area with information screens, luggage lockers and a customer help point
• a passenger drop off/pick up area
• improved paving, CCTV security, lighting and planting
• a drop-off bay for blue badge holders

The new coach hub will replace the tired outdated coach station at Bretonside, which is being redeveloped as part of a major investment package proposed by British Land, the owner of Drake Circus and the UK’s largest listed retail landlord.

The proposed Drake Circus Leisure development includes an 11-screen cinema complex, 13 restaurants and parking for over 400 cars, as well as extensive improvements to public areas with features, seating and planting. The scheme would transform the link from the city centre to the Barbican and the Waterfront, making it more attractive and easier for visitors and shoppers to move from one to the other.

Subject to planning permission being granted for the redevelopment of Bretonside and other conditions, British Land will contribute £2.1 million towards the design and build of the new coach hub and car park. The remaining £2.07 million will be funded from the Council’s capital budget.

Councillor Mark Coker, Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “The new hub will provide a modern, high-quality facility for long distance coaches and a much better welcome to Britain’s Ocean City. It will also increase footfall in the city centre’s West End, which can only be good for local businesses.

“The scheme has been specifically designed to meet the needs of long distance travellers and takes into account feedback received during our recent public consultation. It will make travel in and out of Plymouth more attractive and convenient for visitors and residents and create a gateway the city deserves.”

The planning application for the new coach station is expected to be submitted towards the end of the month.