The future of Bracknell's bus station will be decided at a crunch meeting tomorrow night (Tuesday, October 15).

Bracknell Forest Council's cabinet are set to approve the masterplan which would see nearly 1,000 flats, new shops and office spaces come to the town centre.

The proposal to demolish and replace to transport hub with a new market square has proved unpopular with residents.

It comes as part of Bracknell Forest Council’s masterplans for regeneration of the town centre, comprised of three major developments.

The ‘Southern Gateway Development Area’, covering the bus station and land close to the train station, could be turned into a market square, with 600 flats, offices and shops. 

Other plans include building on the ‘Eastern Gateway Development Area’, south of Millennium Way, and the High Street car park.

A total of 952 homes could be built across these three areas, if approved by Bracknell Forest Council’s cabinet on Tuesday, October 15.

Now, consultations with locals have revealed that the most objections raised are with the proposed demolition of the bus station.

An executive report says: “While there was some support, the most common objection received was the in-principle objection to the redevelopment of the bus station.

“Reasons stated were broad, but mainly around concerns that bus services would be less accessible as a result, and that supporting facilities, such as seating, shelters, a café and those for driver change-over would not be reproved.”

As bus stops would no longer be in one central area, people worried that it would be more difficult to find bus services and get information.

Following public feedback Bracknell Forest Council says that all functions of the existing bus station will be retained, including driver facilities and enhanced bus stops with seating and shelters.

The current bus stop will be relocated in a circuit around the edges of the new square, which will make it easily accessible to residents, according to the council.

The council says under future systems, it will increase bus stop bays along Station Way, Station Road and Market Street.

It will also add bus routes and stops along the northern end of The Ring, Market Street and on Skimped Hill Lane.

Arrangements will be ‘attractive and accessible’ with clear signs for passengers to find the right bus journeys.

If plans are agreed, the bus station would not be demolished until new arrangements are in place, which will not be in the ‘immediate future’.

Cabinet members of Bracknell Forest Council will vote on the plans at an upcoming meeting on Tuesday, October 15.