Harlow Council's project to upgrade the facility is central to its plan to enhance and regenerate Harlow Town Centre, improving its transport infrastructure and encouraging residents to use more sustainable methods of transport instead of cars.
Funded by the Government's Towns Deal as part of Harlow's £23.7m Towns Fund programme, the existing bus station will be transformed and replaced with a bright and welcoming space. Once complete, the buses will operate on a one-way system, with the proposed exit onto Crown Gate as well as plans to better link to the nearby railway station, Harlow and Gilston Garden Town’s proposed Sustainable Transport Corridor, schools, and other commercial locations.
Working with Harlow Council and the Procure Partnerships framework, Morgan Sindall’s Essex business will leverage its expertise in public sector infrastructure to ensure that the new facility supports the local sustainable transport demands and enhances key spaces, creating a high quality and welcoming gateway into Harlow Town Centre.
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The new transport hub designed by McBains Ltd., will include 16 stands covered by a 150m canopy, an indoor waiting area, new green spaces, and storage for up to 80 bicycles.
The large, bespoke canopy will run the length of the structure, providing cover from the elements while being a visual focal point of the new facility’s design. In combination with the hub’s glass facade, this will create a striking, modern aesthetic which will feature prominently in the town centre.
To enhance safety onsite, the facility's partitions will create a pleasant space, flooded with natural light while facilitating a safe flow of people around the building, and well-connected spaces including Cross Street, East Walk and East Gate.
To support healthy, sustainable travel options, the Sustainable Transport Hub and Interchange will also be a central point for local cycle routes. To achieve this, a separate cycle hub building and bicycle storage will be created onsite.
The Morgan Sindall team began demolition work on the link bridge in April and completed in July. The next phases of the project will entail construction of the temporary bus station on Post Office Road, demolition of the existing waiting areas and constructing the new bus routes in and out of the facility as well as the site’s footpaths and landscaping.
Given the central location and the site’s vital public transport role, managing access to nearby businesses and maintaining Harlow’s flow of public transport will be key priorities. Morgan Sindall will employ its Intelligent Solutions approach to minimise disruption, which will include setting up the temporary bus station to keep local buses and traffic moving.
