Heart of Slough beats faster (original) (raw)

A £450m project to regenerate Slough will crank up a gear next week as workers begin building the new bus station.

Construction work on the modern structure will start on Monday following weeks of demolition work to half of the existing bus station and the removal of Compair House near the train station.

It is expected to be completed by January 2011 and is a part of the Heart Of Slough Project.

Commissioner for neighbourhoods and renewal, Cllr James Swindlehurst, said: "Demolishing the old bus station allows us to make a start on the new bus station, and then we're on our way towards a brighter future for Slough and its residents. It's a very exciting time." Slough Borough Council has also received £11m funding from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) which will see the old infrastructure of Slough's Brunel roundabout and underpasses removed and replaced with traffic light controlled junctions using the most up-to-date traffic flow management software. There will be more surface crossings and a tree-lined boulevard to provide pedestrian friendly routes from the bus and train stations into Slough's shopping areas.

David Ashworth, head of area at the HCA, said: "As work gets underway, it's fantastic to see the Heart of Slough project really coming to life as you walk through the town centre.

"This is just the beginning of the regeneration of Slough and I'm delighted that the HCA has been able to help fund the much-needed infrastructure improvements to create a 21st century gateway to the town. The new road layout and pedestrian crossings will help make journeys around the town by foot, bike, car or bus faster and safer." Billboard images of three new offices that will eventually be built along Wellington Street were unveiled on Tuesday.

They will be built on the current bus station site in Wellington Street.