Proposals unveiled to transform town’s bus station

The latest plans to transform Dewsbury Bus Station have been publicly released.As part of a second round of public engagement on the scheme, images of what the bus station could look like after a £13.9m redevelopment have been revealed.People are being asked to have their say on the new proposals to fully renovate the existing building, creating a more accessible, energy efficient and modern bus station for passengers.Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “We want bus travel to be everyone’s first choice in West Yorkshire, not as a last resort but because it’s the most attractive option.“Improving facilities for passengers is one part of our journey towards creating a more inclusive and better-connected region.”More shops, better real-time information displays – including the introduction of rail services to help with onward journeys – and improved security features are among the proposals.Environmentally friendly features include a “living roof” covered in plants, cycle parking and energy saving improvements, such as solar panels and an air source heat pump.Passengers will also be able to access a “Changing Places” toilet, which will have extra features to meet the needs of people with a range of disabilities.Councillor Eric Firth, portfolio holder for transport at Kirklees Council, said: “As we envision a more inclusive and better connected region, the transformation of Dewsbury Bus Station is a crucial step towards making bus travel the most attractive option for the Kirklees Community.“We invite people to shape our proposals, ensuring a fully renovated, accessible, and energy-efficient bus station that meets the needs of our passengers.”The scheme is being developed by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority in partnership with Kirklees Council.It will be delivered through the Combined Authority’s Transforming Cities Fund programme, which is aimed at making it easier to walk, cycle and use public transport.This latest round of public engagement is open until 11.59pm on 2 August. People can find out more and have their say at yourvoice.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/dewsbury