Construction begins on Arle Court Transport Hub improvements scheme
Building work has started on the new Arle Court Transport Hub, following the award of the construction contract to Kier Construction Limited.
Following planning approval and early highway and site clearance works, construction has now officially begun to expand and improve services and facilities on-site at Arle Court Transport Hub in Cheltenham.
Once complete, the upgraded transport hub will offer additional bus services and better connections to local sustainable transport such as walking and cycling routes.
It will also provide a range of new and improved facilities on site. These include: a covered waiting area with seating; real-time information screens and an information desk; an indoor waiting area with the opportunity for a refreshments facility; electric vehicle charge points; and toilets, including a dedicated Changing Places toilet.
Cllr David Gray, Cabinet Member for Environment and Planning, said: “We're delighted to see construction begin on this important project, which will provide a more modern transport hub for commuters and visitors to Cheltenham. The scheme also supports our carbon neutral ambitions, by improving connectivity to sustainable modes of travel in the area and reducing unnecessary car journeys.”
Work is being carried out by Kier Construction Limited, who were recently awarded the construction contract by Gloucestershire County Council following a competitive procurement process. This next phase will build on the work that Kier has previously undertaken on the detailed design contract for the scheme.
Andy Bolas, regional director at Kier Construction, said: "As a business with a base in Gloucestershire, we are proud to be delivering this project for Gloucestershire County Council. It will provide a number of benefits to the community which include better access to sustainable transport links to and from the west Cheltenham area, reducing the number of unnecessary car journeys into the city centre.”
The agreed contract price for the Kier works is just over £26m, which is being funded by UK Government’s Housing Infrastructure Fund (HIF) administered by Homes England and by the council.
Construction is due to be completed in summer 2024. For more information and the latest updates, go to www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/ACTH