All system go for new bus station in Grimsby - but this one will be called a 'transportation hub'

                                          

Even though there is no longer  bus station, Riverhead remains an important pick-up point for Stagecoach vehicles - but for how much longer? 

MOVES are afoot to create a new bus station in Grimsby.

The only significant  differences from its predecessor in Riverhead Square are, firstly, the location and, secondly, that it will be called a 'transportation hub'.

A  NELC report published this week states: "Our residents  deserve a fit for purpose transportation hub that allows quick easy access to public transport services in a central location near to rail, retail and town centre amenities." 

"The concept is to create a multi-functional hub for buses, cycles, and other users which connects with the adjacent railway station, encouraging public transport use and supporting wider town centre regeneration ambitions.

"Such a  'hub' will allow the consolidation of the current bus stops on George Street, Victoria Street West, Town Hall Street and Town Hall Square, providing a dedicated facility for bus users and operators, which is safe and welcoming within the town centre.

"It is hoped that this dedicated facility will make it easier for disabled people or those with mobility issues to use public transport."

The proposed location is the 1.6-acre site on Osborne Street and Garden Street that was acquired by NELC in  June 2022. 

Assuming the project is approved by councillors, the authority will use a mixture of professional teams to oversee demolition of existing buildings, technical design, and procurement processes.

The cost? How long is a piece of string? So far, no estimates have been provided.                                           

These former shops have been earmarked for demolition to make way for the proposed new bus station

The Grimsby News says: There is no doubt some will welcome the return to Grimsby of a dedicated bus bus station. But the Osborne Street location does not seem notably preferable to the one that existed at Riverhead. Furthermore, access and exit arrangements for buses and cyclists could be extremely tricky. And, sure as sure, the costs, just in consultants' fees, will be stratospheric.  Its intentions are laudable, but somehow NELC seems to have developed a knack  of making things difficult not  only for itself  but also for the increasingly bemused community that it serves.