Only days remain before Slough Borough Council’s Cabinet Committee meets to decide the future of the former bus station site. The meeting, scheduled for Thursday 15 January, will consider proposals for redeveloping the derelict town centre location.
The aluminium-structured bus station has been out of use since a fire in October 2022 left the building severely damaged. Negotiations with insurers have since concluded, allowing the council to explore new options for the site.
Cabinet Committee, which oversees matters relating to council assets, is being asked to declare the site surplus. This would pave the way for a redevelopment that complements the ongoing regeneration of the former TVU site, the shopping centres, and the High Street. Plans include creating a new bus interchange designed to address the shortcomings of the former station, improve the experience for passengers and operators, and enhance the surrounding public realm.
Councillor Wal Chahal, deputy leader of the council and lead member for assets, said: “The former bus station, though visually striking, did not provide the best experience for passengers or operators of the buses. Now the insurance issues have been dealt with, we are able to look at the site afresh and fully explore the options for providing the best possible transport interchange. We are committed to providing an effective, safe and sustainable bus interchange for residents in this, the heart of the town, and I am looking forward to our discussions on how we can make our vision a reality.”
Rebuilding the station to its previous form is estimated to cost more than £14 million, a figure far higher than the insurance payout received. Meanwhile, the vacant site is costing the council over £200,000 a year due to business rates, capital costs, and security requirements.
Councillor Dexter Smith, leader of the council, added: “We are not only trying to keep our options open as we decide what is best for the town in the 21st century, but we are also giving Cabinet some additional options to get this right for Slough’s future needs.”
The upcoming Cabinet Committee meeting will provide clarity on whether the site will be redeveloped and how a new bus interchange might integrate with the wider plans for Slough town centre.
