A revamped St Budeaux Square is the focal point for ambitious new plans unveiled this week to help curb emissions by making travelling around the city greener and cleaner.
The Council has launched a consultation on proposals to improve bus stops, railways stations and cycling links in St Budeaux to turn it into a thriving transport interchange.
The proposals also aim to upgrade the High Street and offer more sustainable transport options by increasing the frequency of trains and improving connections with buses and cycle routes.
The improvements being considered include:
- Transforming the High Street by installing a contemporary seating area, with planting, trees and a new bench outside the shops
- A taxi shelter next to a very well-used taxi rank
- New cycle parking
- Replacing the ageing flagstones throughout the High Street
- Widening pedestrian footways on the Wolseley Road overbridge and linking them to the safer pedestrian crossing at the junction on Wolseley Road
- Extending the bus layby and moving bus stops to increase capacity for buses
- Installing Real Time Passenger Information displays at bus stops and existing rail platforms - so that people know when their buses or trains are coming
- Installing directional signage (fingerposts) to make it easier to find your way
- Creating a transport information hub near bus stops and railway stations which passengers can use to help plan their journeys
The Council is working closely with rail partners and local bus operators to increase the frequency of rail services at the stations and improve connectivity with bus services.
The scheme is funded by the Transforming Cities Fund (TCF) which aims to make it easier for residents and commuters to walk, cycle and use public transport when they travel around Plymouth and surrounding area.
The scheme is being coordinated closely with other TCF schemes including the St Budeaux to the Dockyard Walking and Cycling Improvements, and the Journey Hub Network to further strengthen the goal of creating a modern transport interchange.
The schemes provide additional transport options and better links for walking and cycling.
Councillor Drean, Cabinet Member for Strategic Transport and Planning said: “Plymouth is committed to being net zero carbon by 2030, so as part of this commitment we want to encourage more people to travel in cleaner and greener ways to help curb emissions.
“St Budeaux has two stations and is well served by buses, but it is not always that obvious for residents and commuters what services to take and when. This plan aims to join up the dots and make it easier for people to plan their journeys, help get them out of their car and use public transport, walk or cycle instead.
“We would like to have your feedback.”
If all goes according to plan, work could start next March and be complete by 2023.
The consultation starts today (July 19) and runs until 29 August. An exhibition of the proposals will be on display at St. Budeaux Library during its opening hours throughout the consultation period and at www.plymouth.gov.uk/stbudeauxinterchange
Comments can be made online, by email to transportprojects@plymouth.gov.uk or in writing to Strategic Transport Team, Plymouth City Council, Ballard House, West Hoe Road, Plymouth PL1 3BJ (Ref: St Budeaux Interchange)