6. Transport Interchange

Better access to and from the town centre will play an important part in making Barnsley a more attractive and accessible place to visit. The Transport Interchange will deliver a landmark gateway combining bus, rail, coach and taxi travel in a new single complex incorporating ‘state of the art’ passenger facilities. Replacing the existing north, south and east bus stations, the Interchange will include a new 100 space park and ride facility for rail users as well as shops, improved car parking, a new travel information centre, cycle racks and information display screens.

A funding package for the new £24 million Interchange is now in place from funding sources Department for Transport, South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Authority, Yorkshire Forward and Objective 1.

The project was officially launched on Monday 5th September when the Leader of the Council, Steve Houghton and Roy Wicks, Director General of the South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive, together with other councillors and MP's, took part in a turf cutting ceremony.

Officials at the Transport Interchange launch

The first phase involves the construction of Interchange Way to link Eldon Street to Pontefract Road. Work on the demolition of the existing bus station will commence early 2006 with the whole scheme expected to be compete by Spring 2007.