Transport for Greater Manchester commissioned Austin-Smith:Lord to design a replacement nineteen stand £15.7m bus station in Wigan Town Centre; which will provide a fully accessible covered passenger concourse, with designated waiting areas with information points and seating. The underside of the striking form of the concourse roof is clad in anodized aluminium sheeting, creating a strong focal point over the key entrance area. Large areas of glass and two large ETFE roof lights contribute to making this a bright and welcoming space. In consideration of the key heritage areas of Wigan the other key material is facing brickwork, in two different tones.

The design includes more attractive routes to and from the town centre for pedestrians, reducing the number of pedestrian crossing points across the site from fourteen to two. The covered concourse will also improve passenger comfort and weather protection with improved passenger information; Improved accessibility into and across the town to employment, education, leisure, retail and other travel modes.

The project significantly contributes to the regeneration of Wigan Town Centre by delivering a new, more attractive bus station that complements the wider town centre development. As a reflection of the outline brief the design incorporates a new Travelshop, coffee shop facilities, new newsagents, high quality fully accessible toilets, and a baby changing and changing places facility. A stand alone cycle parking facility is also provided set within a new urban realm area which fronts one of the key pedestrian approaches to the station.

The project was completed in October 2018.

Working alongside A-S:L on the Wigan Bus Station project, from concept through to completion, was a very positive experience. A-S:L were fully committed to not only delivering work to a high standard but also fulfilling various stakeholder requirements which were made possible through collaborative design reviews. In addition, A-S:L brought experience and innovation to the design which ultimately resulted in a building which is both functional and iconic.

Early in this project there were a number of affordability challenges but A-S:L worked collaboratively with the client and the wider design team to deliver a building which bettered the aspirations of the client and the travelling public but was also delivered on budget and to time. Since completion the positive response to the design from the public has been overwhelming.

 James Nairn – TfGM Senior Project Manager for Wigan Bus Station