New Colchester bus station: city centre site suggested

The 91-page masterplan document reveals Stanwell House, in Stanwell Street, has been identified as a site with the “potential to address [the] need for improved bus waiting [or] layover facilities”.

Councillors debated the city’s bus provisions at a meeting.

Castle ward councillor Richard Kirkby-Taylor said the masterplan was the council’s “best opportunity to focus on buses”.

Overhaul needed - Councillor Richard Kirkby-Taylor said the masterplan was the perfect opportunity to consider the city's bus infrastructure

Mr Kirkby-Taylor added: “I’m deeply concerned and disappointed we’ve got to this point without an effective investigation into the bus system and viable options to improve it.”

Simon Cairns, who is Colchester Council’s development manager, apologised for the lack of a bus service improvement plan, but agreed it is something the council “will need to take forward”.

Local plan committee member Mark Goacher said: “My fear is we don’t want to encourage more car use because [residents] are driving to [retail parks].

“I do think we need to think about how we are going to improve our public transport infrastructure.”

Stanwell House, which is next to the current bus station, is currently occupied by Essex County Council.

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Local plan committee chairman Martin Goss explained: “If [Stanwell House] were demolished, the plan would be to expand and enhance the existing bus offering because it’s not fit for purpose. The bus station is a bus terminus at best.”

New home - Stanwell House is next to the existing bus station (Image: Newsquest)

Mr Goss suggested the NCP car park in neighbouring Osborne Street could also be knocked down if the parking giant were to pull out of the site, creating a “brownfield site we can redevelop properly”.

If the Stanwell House site isn’t required as an extension to the bus station, the council has alternatively suggested it could be used for retail or hospitality on the ground floor, with homes above.

Speaking at the council meeting on the impact of the city’s public transport infrastructure on businesses, Colchester BID manager Sam Good said: “It is clear the current provision for buses, the park and ride, and cycling is inadequate to encourage car users to switch without compromising on convenience and/or cost.”

The masterplan proposals, including the plans for a reconfigured bus station, will now face public scrutiny as part of a public consultation.