Merthyr Tydfil Bus Station

Procured through the SEWSCAP framework, the two-storey steel framed main building measures 1,130 square meters. It features a zinc roof that has been designed to resemble the nearby iconic Cyfarthfa ironworks – which closed in 1928 – in celebration of the town’s heritage.

On the ground floor is 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 that’s to the buildings large glass front.

The space is entirely accessible for disabled users with all flooring either flat or ramped. There is also a kiosk, café and public toilets. The second-floor features mess facilities ad open space for the main bus operator.

Externally there are three further stands and four electrical charging points for taxis. Planted trees and shrubs create a green space for service users, while granite benches create a large breakout area.

Our Approach

Sustainable first principles were a key part of the project – ensuring the design and construction phase would match the environmentally friendly operation of the station.

By applying Circular Economy principles, the team were able to use materials such as recycled natural stone and timber soffits within the design. The building was also constructed in layers allowing for easy maintenance in the future and easier deconstruction at the end of its life.

Through embracing these principles, the team achieved a 100% waste diversion rate, reduced construction carbon by 50 tonnes and achieved a 50% lower carbon usage rate than any other Morgan Sindall Construction site nationally.

This was achieved through elimination of generators and switching to green energy suppliers, hybrid excavators during construction works, electric and hybrid vehicles for staff, full energy audits and cascade of these key requirements throughout the supply chain.

BIM also played a key part in the project’s success. Used through design and construction it was used to map underground services, develop the roof design, co-ordinate the complex services arrangement, manage multiple material interfaces and support the circular economy strategy.

Working via an NEC3 contract, the team worked collaboratively to overcome the complex logistical challenges. This helped keep the busy city centre flowing, despite the site being dissected by three major highways and five pedestrian routes. The team even enabled public realm and infrastructure works, separate to our contract, but those which dissected our works, be undertaken. This involved additional co-ordination, but enabled vital access point upgrades to be complete at the same time as the project, easing the burden on town centre movement.

Social Impact

The Merthyr Tydfil Bus Station project generated over £9.5 million in social value locally, thanks to the implementation of a social value strategy in partnership with the council. This included elements such as a local and responsible procurement framework that ensured 94% of spend remained local. 18 local people, new to the construction industry were employed on the project and 807 weeks of new entrant employment were achieved, exceeding the project target by 77%. In addition, six apprentices were employed on the scheme, forging new careers in our industry.

A £2.49 LM3 score achievement was reflected through the schemes 100% SME spend profile and regular local meet the buyer events. 526 pupils were engaged through STEM events and over 200 hours and £8,930 were donated to community projects and charitable causes.

This was a great opportunity for us as an Employability Team to diversify the offer and provide connections locally to allow Community Benefit Initiatives. The approach taken and the partnership working has left a legacy in terms of a future way of working. Since the relationship has developed, and initiatives with Morgan Sindall has been delivered, this has led to the Local Authority using the approach as a blueprint for future working. Today we have established a Business, Education Together Partnership that will seek to connect schools and business/inward investment to enhance opportunities to children and young people in School. This approach is key to the future Economic Recovery of Merthyr Tydfil and also Raising Aspirations and Raising Standard Policy for Merthyr Tydfil. This is an exciting development for Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council and will underpin future working between employability, Schools & Education providers whilst connecting with inward investment in the future.”

Deb Ryan-Newton: Employability Manager - Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council

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. The Council is very grateful for Welsh Government’s funding of the project to complement its significant investment in the Core Valley Lines Rial Network. We must also say a big thanks to contractor Morgan Sindall Construction for completing it to the highest standards and within the timescales in such difficult circumstances''

Cllr isa Mytton, Council Leader