A £150,000 improvement project is set to refresh Gloucester Green Bus and Coach Station in Oxford, with work designed to enhance the experience for passengers using the busy transport hub.
Oxfordshire County Council is delivering the project in partnership with Oxford City Council and service provider ODS. The scheme is funded through the government-backed Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP).
The coach station, which opened in 1989, has seen heavy use over the years and local leaders say the improvements aim to address its ageing appearance while making the environment more welcoming for passengers and visitors.
Andrew Gant, Cabinet Member for Transport Management at Oxfordshire County Council, said: “Gloucester Green coach station dates from 1989 and it has developed a tired appearance over time. It is certainly not an attractive gateway for local, national and international visitors to Oxford.
“To realise its full potential would require substantial investment and a complete redevelopment, and this remains a long-term ambition. However, in the shorter term, we’re delighted that we are able to carry out a series of measures that will improve the environment for everyone that uses it.”
Anna Railton, Oxford City Council’s Cabinet Member for Zero Carbon Oxford, said the station is often the first impression visitors have when arriving in the city.
She said: “Gloucester Green bus station is often the first impression someone has arriving in our wonderful city, so I am very pleased with these plans to refresh and enhance it. I very much welcome this and the long-term plans for improving the space.”
Following a review of the station carried out in 2023, several improvements were identified to enhance the site.
Planned upgrades include new signage, real-time passenger information displays showing arrival and departure times, new noticeboards, anti-pigeon measures, decluttering of the site, and a new commercial bin store.
Additional improvements will include repainting, a deep clean of all areas, larger planters placed in key locations, and the installation of bespoke and accessible seating.
Project partners say they are working with Oxfordshire-based suppliers and contractors to deliver the improvements.
The funding forms part of more than £10 million awarded last year to Oxfordshire County Council and the Oxfordshire Bus Enhanced Partnership to support improvements to local bus services and infrastructure.
