Images revealed of £24m bus and Metro interchange

New images have been unveiled showing how Dudley’s £24m bus and Metro interchange will look.This comes as Dudley Council bosses revealed work could start on the new structure in the winter.The interchange is set to replace the current bus station in the town centre. Temporary bus stops will be provided during construction to maintain provision of services.It will connect Metro and bus journeys together for people visiting and travelling through the town.Andy Street, mayor of the West Midlands and WMCA chair, said: “This interchange will vastly improve public transport connections for town centre visitors and businesses – giving local people the more modern, convenient and environmentally friendly bus and tram facilities they deserve.”This significant investment in public transport – the Metro is due to open next year – will improve services to Sandwell, Wolverhampton and Birmingham.”Overall, the Interchange is very much supporting the wider regeneration of the town centre.”Funded largely through the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement – formerly the Transforming Cities Fund – the project is part of the local authority’s £1bn regeneration programme for the borough.The £450m Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Metro extension is set to offer rail connection for the town centre for the first time in decades.Dudley is also the location of the new £18m Duncan Edwards Leisure Centre and the £26m Black Country and Marches Institute of Technology, which both opened last year.Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of Dudley Council, added: “The current bus station in Dudley is one of the most well-used in the region, but is tired and no longer fit for purpose.”These new pictures show what a transformation this new interchange will bring – a clean, attractive, modern new space to help people get around the borough and the region.”We hope to see work start in the winter and it is a key part of our £1bn regeneration programme to change the skyline of Dudley forever and make it a more attractive place to work, live, and visit.”