Views sought on temporary bus station option

Residents living near the Triangle Car Park, just off Heavitree Road, are being asked to give their views on the possible use of the car park as a temporary bus station. 

A temporary solution will be needed during the redevelopment of the existing Paris Street bus station.

Cllr Phil Bialyk, Lead Councillor for Sport and Health and Wellbeing, said: "It's still early days and nothing has been decided yet, so we're really keen to talk to nearby residents and businesses about how The Triangle might work as a temporary solution whilst the current bus station is being redeveloped. We will look at all the options before making any decisions about where to locate a temporary bus station."

Local residents and businesses have been informed and an open evening has been arranged to discuss the use of the site. This will take place on Thursday 9 June at Belmont Chapel in Western Way, from 7pm until 9pm.

A new, modern bus station is being built on the site of the current bus station in Paris Street, along with the new Princesshay retail, restaurant and leisure development. Alongside will sit the new St Sidwell's Point leisure complex.

Cllr Bialyk said that a temporary bus station needed to be within close range of the city centre, which limits the options being looked at.

"It's really important that we get this right and make a temporary site work for everyone involved - bus users, as well as residents and local businesses. There are inevitably going to be some challenges wherever we choose, but I am confident that by working these through early on with everyone involved, we can come up with a temporary solution in a location that works well for the city of Exeter."

Any proposed, temporary solution would require planning permission from the City Council as well as Devon County Council and all interested parties would be formally consulted as part of the planning process.

It is anticipated that work on a temporary bus station would start in spring or summer 2017 and operate for up to two years.

Further information can be found on the council’s website at exeter.gov.uk/busstation where  people can sign up to receive future updates by e-mail.