Works on the new look Maidstone Bus Station are well underway to modernise the area and provide somewhere that people feel safe when waiting for the bus.
The renovation work began on 22 March and is on schedule to be completed mid-June.
The new look bus station will contribute to increasing the vitality and viability of Maidstone, by improving its overall image as a modern, well cared for place with excellent public transport facilities.
Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) has been working with Kent County Council, Arriva, NuVenture and the owners of the Mall Shopping Centre to refurbish and improve the facilities available for bus users.
John Foster, MBC Head of Regeneration and Place said: “We are delighted with the progress of the refurbishment work at the Bus Station. Maidstone Borough Council was grateful for suggestions that everyone submitted as part of a public consultation to enhance the area in our county town which has meant extensive changes and improvements.
“It is a major project that will the improve the overall look of the Bus Station which is an important asset to the residents and businesses in Maidstone.”
Knights Brown were appointed to undertake the works with a dedicated liaison officer on hand to address any issues arising during the construction.
Sean Hebden, Divisional Director for Knights Brown said: “We’re grateful for the excellent support we’ve had from our contractors, allowing us to make good progress in these first few weeks of the town centre bus station works.
“We’re looking forward to bringing the works to a prompt and successful conclusion, which will see a significant enhancement to the bus interchange for local people and travelling public in the county town of Maidstone.”
Whilst the works are being undertaken the Bus Station under The Mall Shopping Centre has been closed to the public and bus stops have been relocated to King Street.
A colourful mural will be designed and created specifically for the project at the King Street entrance to the station which is being funded by an Arts Council England grant. Youngsters from a local youth group will be involved and it is hoped the work will take place in June.
The improvement work to the Bus Station reflects one of the Council’s Strategic Objectives – ‘A Thriving Place’. The identified action will be delivered between 2019 and 2024 to modernise the area in the County Town.