Repair works needed at new Durham Bus Station

The new Durham Bus Station, which cost £10.4m and took several years to complete, was unveiled on January 7. 

However, visitors have reported several issues with the infrastructure in recent days, as access doors and toilet payment machines have been unavailable. 

Durham County Council said the issues were down to the “scale and complexity of the project” and is working quickly to fix them. 

Visitors have reported several issues with the infrastructure in recent days (Image: The Northern Echo)Scaffolding was recently erected outside the front of the station to repair one of the damaged roller shutters. It is due to be fixed later this week and visitors can use alternative doors elsewhere in the station. 

While access to toilets at the station has been possible, visitors have been unable to make a payment to use the facilities at times due to wi-fi connectivity. The issue is due to be resolved next week.  

The new structure has been built to replace the building on the same site, which was initially opened in the 1970 but deemed no longer fit for purpose. Temporary bus stops were in operation along North Road and Milburngate in the years since the former station closed. 

The council says the new bus station has been designed to increase the overall space for passengers, which includes increasing the reversing area for buses leaving bays and widening the exit onto North Road to improve visibility, with additional pedestrian access also being created. 

Inside, there is increased seating and space in the passenger waiting area as well as a two-storey area with office space. The new building design is based on passenger feedback, considering issues around security, safety and accessibility raised about the former building. 

Recommended reading: 

• Dispute over controversial plans for thousands of Durham homes reaches public inquiry
• Durham City likened to 'Wild West' as dozens of venues trading outside agreed hours
• Durham Cricket unveils plans for new hotel to create 'major sporting destination'​

Grab our digital subscription for just £5 for 5 months and stay connected with local news

Paul Burr, the council’s building and facilities maintenance manager, said: “We continue to receive really positive feedback following the opening of the new Durham Bus Station, which has already served approximately 360,000 passengers.

“Some minor works have been or are required at the bus station during its early weeks of operation, simply as a result of the scale and complexity of the project. 

“However we have worked quickly to address these on each occasion, to minimise any impact on people using the station.”