To receive a presentation on the preferred interim solution arrangements whilst the Bus Station is being developed.
Minutes:
The Deputy Chief Executive referred to the development of an interim solution for the Bus Station whilst the new station is being developed. Consideration of a number of sites, including the Triangle Car Park, were not deemed to have offered the best solution. An on-street solution with temporary bus stands on Sidwell Street, combined with additional stands in Paris Street and Bampfylde Street and the temporary re-routing of traffic through Western Way and Southernhay was being explored. Members were advised that a further period of consultation would be required with local residents, businesses, a range of other stakeholders and Stagecoach.
He confirmed that a meeting of the Leisure Complex and Bus Station Programme Board would be held on 12 July to enable Members to consider the details, including implementation of the proposed arrangements. The Chair advised that Members had listened to the concerns of residents over the use of the Triangle Car Park, but reiterated the need for a suitable solution for a period of up to 18 months, whilst the Bus Station development was taking place. He confirmed that two respective consultation evenings would be held on 5 and 6 July to allow residents and businesses to be consulted on proposals for a temporary traffic routing, and a temporary bus station solution.
Iain McNeill, Technical Director, WSP Group advised that these options were now being considered to create sufficient accommodation for buses to meet the requirements of Stagecoach’s operations. There had been initial discussion with stakeholders and also the Chamber of Commerce. There was no desire to compromise the ability of businesses to operate in either Southernhay or Sidwell Street and gathering their views through consultation would be important. There would be a requirement to remove existing short stay pay and display parking bays on Sidwell Street to replace with bus stands as part of the temporary solution, but one benefit would be an increased footfall in the area. He confirmed that there were ongoing discussions with National Express to ensure they were included in satisfactory interim arrangements. The outcome of discussions with National Express would be provided at the Programme Board meeting on 12 July. It should be noted that the provision for temporary bus stands and the layover of buses will change as the work to develop the Bus Station progresses.
A Member enquired if any Pay and Display car parking spaces in Southernhay East would be displaced. Ian McNeill stated that a small number of spaces would be lost to ensure a wider access to be created. He also responded to a comment on the number of planned bays, stating that whilst Stagecoach operated to a planned timetable, the number planned would offer Stagecoach a degree of flexibility to be able to cope with busy periods.
The Chair responded to a Member’s comment over ensuring that Devon County Council’s Elected Members and especially Members of Exeter’s Highways and Traffic Order Committee were kept fully informed, confirming that this would be the role of Devon County Council officers.
Members noted the presentation.