Bristol, Bath and the West

Firsts Bath bus station relocates to temporary site as part of the SouthGate redevelopment.

First has moved to a temporary bus station situated at the eastern end of Avon Street car park to accommodate the regeneration of Baths Southgate area. First will operate its services from the site for the next two years whilst work is completed on the transport interchange. Meanwhile the bus station at Manvers Street is being demolished in the next few weeks to make way for the redevelopment.

The move is all part of transforming travel in and around Bath to ultimately encourage more people to use public transport and commit to greener travel. The company has already invested £13.5 million in brand new state of the art super low floor vehicles, with low emission engines. Passenger numbers are continuing to grow in Bath with a 3% increase year on year. First is committed to delivering a real alternative to the car with a safe, reliable and high quality bus service.

Commercial Director Simon Cursio says ''First has been and will continue to work very closely with Bath and North East Somerset Council to ensure that people are kept informed of changes we are making as a result of the redevelopment of SouthGate. I am grateful to everyone who has been involved in the move from Manvers Street to Avon Street, there are people who have been working around the clock to make sure that the move went as smoothly as possible. Avon Street will be our temporary home for the next two years and we are looking forward to moving to our permanent home in 2009.''




A £13 million state-of-the-art transport interchange linking rail and bus services includes brand new bus station facilities is due to be completed by 2009. First is working closely with Bath and North East Somerset Council to make sure customers are kept informed about changes to keep disruption to an absolute minimum.

Adrian Clarke, Transportation Policy Manager Bath & North East Somerset Council says
' Bath & North East Somerset Council have been working closely with First Bus to help ensure that the temporary relocation of the bus station to Avon St car park takes place as smoothly as possible. As part of these arrangements Dorchester Street will shortly be made one way towards Broad Quay and, to help reduce disruption to passengers, buses and taxis will be re-routed via Lower Borough Walls and Henry Street. The alternative route for other vehicles will be via the A36 and North Parade. ‘

The Council will be monitoring these arrangements and will continue to work with First Bus to keep any inconvenience to a minimum.'