Northumberland County Council has agreed to take over the lease of Alnwick Bus Station to enable a long-awaited £1.8 million refurbishment. The project aims to improve safety, enhance passenger experience, and increase bus usage in the area.
The site is currently controlled by a leaseholder who, after extensive negotiations, stipulated that access for the refurbishment would only be granted if the council entered into a long-term lease and assumed full maintenance responsibilities. A report presented to the council's cabinet on Tuesday noted that there was "no alternative" organisation willing to take on this obligation.
Wider Regeneration and Funding Concerns
The bus station upgrade is linked to broader regeneration efforts in Alnwick. Delays risked impacting the entire programme and losing funding from the North East Strategic Mayoral Authority under the Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP). Council deputy leader Coun Richard Wearmouth highlighted the scheme's importance, stating: "This is something we have been campaigning for for a very long time. It is something that we pushed for a long period. It is something we get feedback from residents on a lot - that the bus station needs significant improvement."
Council leader Glen Sanderson described the current station as "not fit for purpose," adding: "It is a bad place to wait for your bus - or get off your bus. We know there has been some anti-social behaviour and we hope that will no longer take place."
Anti-Social Behaviour Concerns
Cabinet member for public safety Gordon Stewart acknowledged ongoing issues, saying: "This is something we're conscious of and we're working on with our partners in the county including the police and local youth services. We are determined to make it a far nicer place for residents to be."
The proposals were unanimously approved by cabinet members, paving the way for the refurbishment to proceed under the new lease arrangement.
