Bus station only moving so developer can make more money

West Berkshire Council admits reason why bus station is relocating from Market Street to The Wharf

WEST Berkshire Council has admitted for the first time the real reason Newbury bus station is being relocated – so a major developer can make money from the Market Street redevelopment.

As previously announced, the council is proposing to relocate the existing bus station from Market Street to The Wharf as part of the regeneration project.

Last week, it became clear why – Grainger, the developer appointed to the project, has said that it would not be viable unless it can develop the entire site.

In 2013, the council sparked controversy when it gave away the land worth £3.9m to Grainger for nothing.

In the 2013/14 financial year, Grainger plc saw its pre-tax profits rise by 26 per cent from £64.3m to £81.1m.

At a Newbury Society AGM held last week, the council’s traffic services manager, Mark Cole, said: “The Market Street development has long been an aspiration of the council to tidy up that part of Newbury.

“It has taken several years to come up with a plan that is viable for Grainger.

“That is why the bus station has to move, because Grainger said it is only viable if they can develop the entire site.

“I personally do not think that is a bad thing, although I appreciate people will have different views on it.”

Grainger and architects John Thompson & Partners have held a series of public consultation events on its proposals to build 225 homes, made up of 30 houses, 45 duplexes and 150 flats at the site.

Proposals also include a new multi-storey car park, underground parking for residents, a new community café or convenience store and improvements to the areas surrounding the train station.

The 5.5-acre, town centre site has been earmarked for development since 2006 and was outlined in West Berkshire Council’s Newbury Vision 2026, the over-arching planning document for the town.

Grainger plans to submit a full planning application to the council by the end of 2015 and if approved, work on the site could start by 2017.

The project has been described as an ‘urban village’ that will provide a ‘gateway to the town’.

What are your views on the proposed relocation of the bus station? Do you think it’s a good idea? Email dan.cooper@newburynews.co.uk