A major improvement scheme for Tadcaster’s gateway has been welcomed as part of a wider countywide commitment to boost tourism and enhance North Yorkshire’s public transport network.
A package of works to upgrade the town’s bus station and public conveniences have been completed which is hoped will drive more footfall into the town centre and make Tadcaster more welcoming for visitors.
As part of the £500,000 project, the bus station’s structure has been fully renovated, the bus canopy renewed and the path widened with lighting columns relocated.
Electronic boards displaying real-time bus information have also been added, the building’s stonework restored, and a new Changing Places facility for public toilets has been installed improve accessibility for all users.
Executive member for highways and transportation, Cllr Malcolm Taylor, said: “It is great to see the revamp that has taken place.
“The bus station is the gateway to the town and the first thing that visitors see when they arrive. It is therefore vital that we improved its appearance to ensure the facilities there are suitable and accessible for all our communities.
“Improving the facilities in Tadcaster is part of our wider commitment to give residents a more accessible, integrated and reliable public transport network, which allows them to travel easily and affordably across England’s largest geographic county.
“This is one cog in our countywide approach to improving North Yorkshire’s public transport network, giving people more choice over how they travel and by doing so helping residents’ connectivity, health and boosting the local economy.”
The project was funded by the Government’s Town Centre Revitalisation Fund.
The funding was earmarked as a way of helping to make Tadcaster more welcoming for visitors, encouraging them to explore the town centre, spend longer there and provide a boost for the local economy.
The plans followed productive discussions with residents and businesses who were keen to see the bus station facilities improved.
The Tadkebab fast food building was also renovated as part of the scheme, while there was also a comprehensive deep clean to the surrounding area.
Executive member for open to business, Cllr Mark Crane, whose responsibilities include economic development and regeneration, said: “Having an effective and reliable public transport network is key for boosting the economy.
“By improving the facilities at Tadcaster Bus Station, we can make the gateway to the town more accessible for all users and drive more footfall – which we hope means visitors will stay longer, spend more, and support local businesses.
“It’s imperative that we do everything we can to ensure our town centres and high streets remain vibrant hubs for business and trade, attracting visitors from across the county and beyond.
“This refurbishment is an improvement for Tadcaster and I hope that it has been well-received by residents and businesses.”
Among those to welcome the improvements is Coastliner, who operate three buses every hour connecting Tadcaster with other areas of North Yorkshire.
The general manager of Coastliner, Adam Emmott, said: “We are pleased to see the improvements to Tadcaster Bus Station have been completed.
“Having a safe and comfortable waiting environment is crucial for our customers, and these changes reflect an ongoing commitment to enhancing their travel experience.”
In November last year, the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority was awarded £564,000 to deliver one of the country’s first pilot programmes exploring how bus franchising could help rural and coastal communities.
Bus franchising gives an authority full control over routes, fares and service standards.
It is hoped that passengers would benefit from a more reliable, joined-up service with coordinated timetables and routes, simpler and clearer fares across multiple operators, and a more accessible network.
The pilot will explore for the first time how franchising could work for people living in rural areas across North Yorkshire, who face challenges of sparse networks, long travel distances and a high dependence on subsidised travel.