Plans to upgrade ‘tired’ bus station set to get underway

A ‘tired’ bus station should be revamped in time for the Easter holidays.

The Market Gates Bus Station welcomes tens of thousands of people to Great Yarmouth each year.

But it is bemoaned as being dark, dingy and rundown by residents and holidaymakers alike.

Now the latest phase of plans to renovate the area is set to begin this month, lasting until March.

Work carried out by Norfolk County Council will focus on improving the environment of the area, with the aim of turning the bus station into a modern, functional transport interchange.

MORE: First phase complete in project to improve bus travel in Great YarmouthBus passengers should be treated to an enhanced travelling experience ahead of the summer season, with the project taking place during the winter months.

The current bus shelters, described as ‘tired’ in a county council report, will be replaced with new modern versions, installed with real-time bus information display screens.

The concrete support pillars under the shopping centre will be fitted with enamel plates to improve the look of the area.

The orange glow from the old sodium lighting will be upgraded with modern energy efficient LED lighting, which will brighten up the under cover area with a more natural and whiter light.

It is hoped this will make passengers feel safer using the bus station.

Once the new lights have been installed, they will be monitored to see if extra lighting around the bus stops needs to be provided to enhance the area further.

Pedestrian barriers and cycle racks will also be replaced with new galvanised steel versions, painted in the same blue paint as they are at present.

New railings have been ordered after the current ones sustained damage over the years in a series of crashes and have not been repaired. More cycle racks will also be provided to accommodate a higher demand for bike spaces.

The road markings will be repainted by the county council’s Highways Department to ensure they complement the rest of the improvements.

The aim is to have the project completed before next Easter to ensure impact to bus passengers and local business is minimal. The first phase of improvement work was completed in July when a hexagonal information point was put in near the Regent Road end.