A denial has been issued by Bracknell Forest Council (BFC) after a BBC report suggested the town’s bus station will be demolished this year in a town centre revamp.
The BBC-funded Local Democracy Reporting Service, which also provides news to other outlets, reported that the bus station will be replaced by a new market square, with buses stopping around its edge.
But within a day of the BBC’s August 26 report, the council released a statement to counter what it called ‘misinformation circulating online’. It said no decision had been made and months of work, including engagement with the public and bus operators would be needed. BFC said the proposal has not even been considered by the council’s executive yet.
The council also responded to public comments about the site of the former Bentalls store where The Deck, an extension to the Lexicon, was previously planned.
The council said the site, owned by Bracknell Regeneration Partnership, was not in its control.
The BBC report also stated demolition of the High Street car park would take place soon but the council stated that would have to happen anyway due to its condition.
Cllr Paul Bidwell, executive member for economy and regeneration, said: “We have aspirations to redevelop parts of Bracknell town centre that we own, and we have recently asked for public comments on initial plans.
“We have always said the overall regeneration will be carried out in phases and we are currently reviewing public comments on plans for the next phase.
“No decision has been made yet, but the draft plans showed moving the bus station to bus stops next to the train station and close to where the current bus station is.
“We asked the public for their comments on this, and we are currently reviewing those comments alongside all the others we received.
“If the bus station does move to nearby bus stops, then we would be able to regenerate that key piece of land to provide a more welcoming gateway to the town centre with shops, homes and leisure facilities, while retaining accessible transport links for those who use public transport.”
“The council has been clear that High Street car park will need to be demolished at some point given its structural condition. Regardless of what long-term plans are agreed for that site, the building will need to be demolished due to safety concerns.”
Image: Google.
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