Thanks but no thanks to Legal & General
Having had the opportunity to view the plans for the proposed new bus interchange, my view is contrary to what we are told. No advantage to the shoppers will be gained at all.
First of all, the site is not big enough with the reduced amount of bays, to cater for the amount of buses that currently use the bus station, let alone the long distance coaches. Where will they operate from?
Secondly, shoppers wishing to use the vast amount of the town centre will not only have to negotiate increased bus activity across Sheep Street and the Drapery to reach the Market Square, they will have to do it in all weathers, whereas now they can access all of the above in favourable conditions.
The existing bus station may not be the most attractive building in the town, or ideal in its current condition.
It requires a major refurbishment in terms of decoration, flooring, ceiling, toilets, escalators and lifts etc, but it is perfectly functional, all of which would cost less than the cost of paying off Stagecoach, demolition of the existing bus station and Fishmarket and construction of the new interchange, alterations to the Drapery and the necessary external works around Bradshaw Street, Silver Street and Sheep Street to make these suitable for constant bus use.
The view of councillors, I believe, is the extension to the Grosvenor Centre proposed by Legal & General will generate more business for the town, whereas the truth of the matter is they are being pressured into committing vast sums of tax payers’ money to something the majority of residents do not want.
Now is the time, before it is too late, to say to Legal & General, sorry gentlemen, thanks, but no thanks, and let the paying public continue to use the buses in a dry, warm, upgraded existing facility, at a fraction of the cost and disruption.
In conclusion, the facility functions well as a bus station and terminus, so for goodness sake leave it alone.
I sincerely hope, as was expressed in a letter to the Chronicle & Echo recently, that the deal has not already been done and the exhibition was purely done for a PR exercise.
T J Buxton,
East Haddon.
Make station part of centre
Several things seem clear in respect to proposals for our new bus station. Greyfriars will be demolished to clear the way for work for our new centre.
The option to consider whether there should be a temporary (four-five year) low cost station to allow the first and best choice of a future integrated bus station and new centre, has been discarded.
The public display confirms earlier consultations which showed significantly higher scores for the new bus interchange to be integrated with a redeveloped Grosvenor Centre.
Official comments like the new interchange being a “vast improvement on Greyfriars” are not the complete truth.
A new interchange integrated into the new centre would be the best way forward once you solve the issue of a temporary station.
A C&E article last week mentions a criticism of Greyfriars is it is dangerous, following two fatal accidents over the past decade. Perhaps someone could explain how building a new bus interchange in the middle of a traffic island is better?
At least Greyfriars has separate levels for people and vehicle access.
The size of the new interchange and the number of bays required is influenced by the speed of turnaround.
With the new interchange, a factor that will influence turnaround is traffic flow. This will be affected by the number of pedestrian crossings around the interchange. This was not an issue in the Greyfriars design.
Officials manning the public display confirmed as yet they hadn’t applied existing bus movements and foot traffic to the design model to establish impact, so how are we to comment on the size and number of bays?
There is mention of a number of bus bays in The Drapery. Will these be no more than the standard shelters seen around town or will we have proper bus bays designed as an extension of the interchange itself?
Greyfriars keeps people, especially the elderly and disabled, out of the wind and rain. Can we picture these same people bunched up on the pavement waiting for a “green man” in order to cross over into the new interchange in bad weather? Could this not lead to impulsive shortcuts which gave rise to the fatalities in Greyfriars?
The concluding remarks on the public display are “We believe this proposal will let us provide the right facilities to meet the needs of bus users and the town as a whole in the future”. This is only true if first you decide the best solution of an integrated new bus station and the provision of a temporary station to allow it, are ruled out. Who consulted us about the cost/impact benefits of this?
Lewis Houston,
Hinton Road, Kingsthorpe, Northampton.
Put two stations in one place
AS a regular visitor to your town over the past 20 years, you may be interested in the thoughts of a “non-local” regarding the proposed changes to the bus station.
I think Northampton is a great town with a rich and varied history which is largely untapped and under promoted.
Geographically it sits in the centre of England, a crossroads over time for transport by horse, canal barge, rail, road and bus.
It lies at the confluence of branches of the Nene River. It has a proud history of manufacturing. Like many European towns and cities it is struggling with the effects of economics and population.
The past 400 years has seen the progressive but piecemeal redevelopment of the town in various styles and influences and the redevelopment of Greyfriars and the Grosvenor and the Fishmarket is the latest chapter.
I believe the “patchwork” of differing developments has lessened the character of the town and the current NBI redevelopment has a chance to set the stage for the next 100 years.
Neither the current bus station nor train stations are aesthetically pleasing or attractive gateways to the town (although I think the bus station is functional).
The exhibited proposal is not adequate and does not allow for future expansion. The council needs to take a lead in what it wants for the town centre in the short, medium, and long term (ie 100 years).
The bus station is best situated in a new development in association with the train station (possibly on top of it). Such a development would include:
a The provision of a shuttle bus to link the station to the town or consideration of re-opening Abington Street to buses.
b The provision of adequate parking on-site (for London commuters and local shoppers (in effect park and ride) at rates which can compete with outlying shopping complexes.
c The provision of adequate security, especially as Northampton hosts many young people at its clubs and venues (on site police station).
d Consideration for retailers at this transport park in association with the developers of the Grosvenor Centre.
e The project to be finished in a style sympathetic to the local area (dressed in Northampton stone?), development of an “Historic Precinct” around St Peter’s and the Castle remnants (when exhumed).
I think this would kick-start the development of the area west of Horsemarket, relieve traffic congestion through central Northampton, allow development of the Fishmarket site for more commercial interests and maintain and build on the character of this great town.
Dr J Knaggs,
Victoria, Australia.
Speaking highly of hospital care
ONE so often hears negative and critical comments about Northampton General Hospital, I felt I should express our recent experiences.
My husband and I have both had to attend and receive treatment at the Heart Centre, my husband for the implantation of a pace maker and myself for an angiogram.
I, indeed neither of us, can speak too highly of the care we received from surgeons, assistants and nursing staff.
They were caring, considerate and reassuring in a stressful situation.
Nothing seemed to be too much trouble for them. Their friendliness was helpful and supportive. The ward too was clean and pleasant.
Everything contributed to a very positive experience with a good outcome.
I can only thank everyone concerned for their patience and helpful attitudes.
K J and H Twistleton,
Spinney Hill Road,
Northampton.
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