Green light for multi-million plans to create a state-of-the-art bus depot in Peterborough
Multi-million plans to create a state-of-the-art bus depot in Peterborough have moved up a gear.
Combined Authority chiefs have just given the green light to an ‘outline business case’ for the depot which is earmarked for a £5 million site at Boongate.
It is expected the former BCA car auction site at Boongate will be the home for a fully electric bus depot.
The new hub will enable better bus services to be provided with the future expansion of the fleet including electric buses as well as being able to support a future franchised bus network.
Concerns have been growing for some time that the current depot in Lincoln Road is limited by its location, small size and lack of charging facilities.
It is hoped the depot will be up and running by the financial year 2027/28.
The approved funding and outline approval will pave the way for officials to draw up a full business case and then to move to acquire land for the new depot.
The funding recommended is up to £7.6 million of a forecast total project cost of £20.6 million and any agreement to purchase land for the depot has to be put before the Board for approval in March this year.
Paul Bristow, mayor of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, said: “I am thrilled to have the backing of my Board for this project.
"A new bus depot is clearly needed and will help provide the better services and economic growth I’m determined to deliver for Peterborough.
“I’m now looking forward to cracking on and securing a site for it.”
The Combined Authority has been working in partnership with Peterborough City Council to develop the project.
Councillor Angus Ellis, the council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, said: “I’m delighted the Combined Authority has approved the first part of funding to build a bigger and better bus depot for the city to enable providers to expand their fleet and increase the use of electric vehicles.
"This is just one part of our wider vision, outlined in our corporate strategy, to support the transition to active and sustainable travel in Peterborough.
“A bigger and better Peterborough needs to give our residents a range of transport options, and this should lead to improved and more environmentally friendly bus services for those who live in, work in and visit the city.”