Morgan Sindall Construction completes new £12 million Merthyr Tydfil sustainable bus interchange
The team successfully completed work on a new £12 million bus interchange for Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council, which has set the benchmark for green transport infrastructure in Wales.
Funding for the scheme has come from the Welsh Government, and as part of its drive for all public transport to be electric by 2028, the new interchange has been designed with sustainability as the primary focus. It runs entirely without oil and gas.
The project was procured through the £1 billion South East and Mid Wales Collaborative Construction (SEWSCAP) Framework. The main contractor was appointed to all four lots it tendered for on the framework in 2019.
About the project
The two-storey, steel-framed main building measures 1,130 square metres. It features a zinc roof that has been designed to resemble the nearby iconic Cyfarthfa ironworks – which closed in 1928 – in celebration of the towns’ heritage.
On the ground floor will be 11 internal stands, including one capable to be used for coaches, which provide easy access to vehicles for the public. There is also a modern public concourse with natural lighting thanks to the building’s large glass front, where seating has been installed.
The space is entirely accessible for disabled users with all flooring either flat or ramped. There is also a kiosk and café, as well as public toilets. The second floor features mess facilities and office space for the main bus operator, Stagecoach in South Wales.
Externally there are three further stands and four electrical charging points for taxis. Planted trees and shrubs create a green space for service users to make use of, while granite benches have also been installed to create a large breakout area.
Morgan Sindall Construction used a predominantly local supply chain for the project
With 94% of spending placed with businesses in Wales. 18 local people, new to the construction industry, were given the opportunity to work on the new station, collectively delivering 807 weeks of new entrant employment and exceeding the project target by 77%. Six apprentices were also employed on the scheme.
Whilst the main building was handed over to the Council in early May, Morgan Sindall Construction continued to work on the bus apron and electric vehicle charging infrastructure for taxis and buses. This is scheduled to handover in June.
Rob Williams, area director for Morgan Sindall Construction, said: “We are really pleased to have handed over the new build for Merthyr Tydfil Borough Council. The new bus interchange represents a significant upgrade to the town’s transport infrastructure, and will help to drive forward the Welsh government’s ambition for all public transport to be electric by 2028.
“That nearly 95% of project spend was placed with Welsh businesses is testament to both the council’s and our commitment to ensure that this project boosts the Merthyr Tydfil’s local economy. The new station pays homage to the town’s heritage and will be an important asset for the local community.”
Council Leader Cllr Lisa Mytton said: “We are thrilled with the building and know that our residents and visitors will be too. It looks absolutely fantastic and will provide a modern, clean and impressive welcome to people arriving in the town centre.
“It’s located closer to the town’s railway station with the aim of creating a new transport interchange hub facility and link-up with the South Wales Metro. With its striking roof design and sustainable design approach, this is truly a 21st century transport interchange, providing a catalyst for future redevelopment of the town centre.
“The Council is very grateful for Welsh Government’s funding of the project to complement its significant investment in the Core Valley Lines Rail Network. We must also say a big thanks to main contractor Morgan Sindall Construction for completing it to the highest standards and within the timescale in such difficult circumstances.”
- For more information about this news release please contact Jonathan Daly at Influential on 07881301437 or email [email protected]
