Bracknell bus station will be demolished to make way for housing as part of huge redevelopment plans for the town centre.

Members of Bracknell Forest Council’s Cabinet voted for the masterplan to transform parts of the town centre with nearly 1,000 new homes, office spaces and shops at a meeting last night (Tuesday, October 15).

Council leaders said that they ‘acknowledge the anxiety’ of by residents over the plans, but that ‘as the town centre changes, so too must the bus station’.

Three areas of the town centre will be redeveloped as part of plans – with the most controversial being the existing bus station.

Land covering the area of the bus station up to the train station will become a new market square with 600 flats, town houses and accommodation for elderly people.

As well as this, office spaces, community and children’s play areas, shops and cafes will be built as a ‘market square’.

But many residents raised concerns about the plans to get rid of the bus station during the council’s consultation period.

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.”

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.

Addressing this at last night’s meeting, cabinet member for planning, transport and countryside Councillor Guy Gillbe said: “It is a recognition that as the town centre changes, so too must the bus station. The town centre is no longer just a shopping centre where the bus station serves as a hub for its entrance.

“The town centre is a living environment with both existing and planned housing opportunities spread across it.”

He continued: “We must have a transport network that serves Bracknell in the modern era. This is why the bus network will extend around the town centre offering multiple options for shoppers and residents.”

Cllr Gillbe said that he ‘acknowledges the anxiety over this change expressed during the consultation’ but that plans had been amended to reflect resident’s concerns.

The council says that all functions of the existing bus station will be retained, including driver facilities and enhanced bus stops with seating and shelters.

There will also be more bus bays introduced along Station Way, Station Road and Market Street.

Other areas that will be developed include land south of Millenium Way and the High Street car park.

Cllr Gillbe added that the masterplan was in response 'to those voices in our community crying out for somewhere to live in our borough'.