Residents have given a positive reaction to proposed improvements to Merrywalks transport hub in Stroud.
Gloucestershire County Council invited people to give their views during an engagement process, which was held from 5 July to 9 September 2024.
Residents could comment on what they would like to see at the hub and were invited to submit additional ideas. They could also add comments to an interactive map and ideas board.
The project is being funded by the county council, Stroud District Council and Stroud Town Council and aims to transform the hub into a transport interchange that is user-friendly, accessible and inviting for people to use. The proposed improvements include new, high quality bus shelters, improved displays showing ‘real time passenger information’ (RTPI), lighting improvements and a better waiting environment.
The online engagement exercise attracted 1,700 visitors to the survey site and of these, 595 engaged with the content in various ways. In-person engagement sessions were also held at Merrywalks to gather feedback from the public.
The feedback demonstrated strong support for improvements, with the majority of respondents favouring the installation of high-quality bus shelters, enhanced lighting and RTPI. Improved facilities for pedestrians and cyclists, including secure cycle storage and better signage, were also highlighted as essential for promoting sustainable travel.
Following the engagement it is being proposed to go ahead with the following improvements:
- 8 new bus shelters
- RTPI at the bus shelters, within the shopping centre and Stroud railway station
- Seating
- Lining works
- Secure cycle parking
- Bike repair station
- Signage
- Improved footway lighting
One of the bus shelters will feature a ‘living roof’ with sedum plants, which will help the environment by attracting bees and insects when they flower, while reducing carbon emissions.
The engagement showed an interest in public toilets, refreshments and cafes, which are outside of the project’s scope. This feedback has been passed onto Stroud Town Council for its consideration.
The project plans are now being finalised and a planning application has been submitted to Stroud District Council. The work is due to be completed next year.
For more information on the project and to view the engagement report, go to Stroud Merrywalks Transport Hub Engagement.
Cllr Philip Robinson, cabinet member with responsibility for buses at Gloucestershire County Council, said: “I would like to thank everyone who took part in the engagement exercise. Your feedback has been valuable and showed strong support for these improvements, which will make Merrywalks a more efficient, accessible and user-friendly transport hub.
“These improvements will encourage the use of public transport and help ensure that Merrywalks plays a key role as a transport interchange and a destination for shopping, dining and social activities in Stroud.”
Cllr Chloe Turner, Stroud District Council environment committee chair, said: “Improvements which will help people make better use of public transport and make walking and cycling easier align with the priorities of our Council Plan. I am pleased that we are able to work collaboratively as three councils to bring these positive changes forward.”
Cllr Tony Davey, Mayor of Stroud Town Council, said: “Stroud Town Council welcomes this investment in improvements at Merrywalks, which will make bus travel a more attractive option for people travelling to and from Stroud. We are delighted to contribute funding for the real time passenger information.”
