Following some misinformation circulating online regarding Bracknell bus station, we’d like to clarify the situation.
Firstly, no decision has been made about the bus station. While the regeneration of that area is included in the long-term draft town centre masterplan, this approach has not been agreed. We are still reviewing the comments we received from the public on the masterplan during the consultation this spring.
The draft plan talked about moving bus stops to an on-street bus station arrangement near to the current one (along Market Street, Station Road and Station Way – which are next to the current bus station and train station) but this has not yet been considered by the Council’s Executive.
Secondly, if a revised plan is agreed in the autumn, then it will take months of planning and background work before any building or relocation work starts. While work behind the scenes may start this year, it is a much longer-term project and would require engagement with the public, bus operators and bus users.
Thirdly, the council would like to reiterate that it has no control over what happens to the piece of land where the old Bentalls department store was located. This is owned by Bracknell Regeneration Partnership and, while we will support our development partner with their plans, we do not have the final say on what goes there or when it is redeveloped.
Cllr Paul Bidwell, executive member for economy and regeneration, said:
“We have aspirations to redevelop parts of Bracknell town centre that we own, and we have recently asked for public comments on initial plans. We have always said the overall regeneration will be carried out in phases and we are currently reviewing public comments on plans for the next phase.
“No decision has been made yet, but the draft plans showed moving the bus station to bus stops next to the train station and close to where the current bus station is. We asked the public for their comments on this, and we are currently reviewing those comments alongside all the others we received.
“If the bus station does move to nearby bus stops, then we would be able to regenerate that key piece of land to provide a more welcoming gateway to the town centre with shops, homes and leisure facilities, while retaining accessible transport links for those who use public transport.
“The council has been clear that High Street car park will need to be demolished at some point given its structural condition. Regardless of what long-term plans are agreed for that site, the building will need to be demolished due to safety concerns.”
