£7m bus station upgrade set to boost business in Black Country

A £7m improvement to public transport facilities in the Black Country will begin operations this weekend.

Stourbridge’s new bus station will open its doors to passengers on Sunday following an 18-month build.

The Stourbridge Interchange, which has been developed by Centro, the region’s transport authority, will provide state-of-the-art facilities for travellers and has created an impressive new gateway into the town.

The opening comes just a week after the sudden death of Centro chairman Angus Adams, who was councillor for the Norton ward of Stourbridge.

Centro chief executive, Geoff Inskip, said: “Angus made a significant contribution to this project and as a Stourbridge councillor it meant a great deal to him.

“I know he was extremely proud of the work Centro had done in bringing the project to fruition so it’s poignant that he cannot be with us to see it opened for the people of Stourbridge.”

Built on the site of the town’s old bus station the new interchange offers a major improvement on the former facility with fully enclosed waiting areas and modern passenger information systems.

It boasts a contemporary glass and steel design, including a focal point canopy, a modern station building and concourse complete with toilets, a convenience store and electronic passenger information boards telling passengers when their bus is due.

Mr Inskip added: “A lot of thought and care has gone into the design of the new interchange to give the people of Stourbridge a truly world class facility that is both comfortable and easy to use.

“We believe this attention to detail is important because good public transport plays a key role in underpinning economic growth and job creation.

“We hope the new Interchange will not only promote Stourbridge as a place to visit and do business but also serve as a showcase for the high standard of facilities we are striving to build throughout the West Midlands.”

Other features include eight bus stands allowing easy passenger circulation with doors that automatically open only when the bus arrives.

CCTV, help points and an internal public address system have also been installed throughout the site.