DERBY BUS STATION – AN UPDATE
The local elections in May saw Derby’s 1933 Bus Station become a hot issue with both the Conservative and Liberal parties in the city having the retention of the present buildings as a key policy. Interestingly, the key figure from the Bus Station Action Group, Ann Crosby, stood as a Liberal candidate and was elected on to the Council. However, it was not quite enough and Labour retained control of the Council with a reduced majority.
Thus it would appear that it will be “business as usual” as far as the redevelopment of the Bus Station and adjacent land is concerned. So far, plans for retail units and an entertainment complex have been proposed and subsequently dropped after feasibility studies. The developers, Metro-Holst, are supposedly coming forward with fresh ideas, the latest of which is student accommodation - it would be a real travesty if the old Bus Station were to be demolished merely for such a second-rate use. The developers appear to be in no hurry to produce new plans, however, and it may be that this saga will run for several months or even years yet.
In early July there was a development when the Conservatives forced an extraordinary council meeting to be held, following the stifling of debate on the subject of the Bus Station at an earlier council meeting. The Council, which has kept the redevelopment cloaked in secrecy, has now agreed to arrange an all-party meeting with the developers, but discussions will remain confidential. It is also likely that the views of the 14,000 people who signed the petition against demolition will continue to be ignored as the Council claims that, if the redevelopment was to be shelved altogether, it would cost the Council several millions of pounds in compensation.
It is difficult to envisage any other outcome from this sorry saga than the wanton destruction of a unique and architecturally interesting structure, but you never know - watch out for the next exciting instalment from your Derby correspondent!
Councillor Ann Crosby may be contacted at 6 Eastbrae Road, Littleover, Derby, DE23 7WA.
John Bowden
It should be made clear that, by the provisions of its Trust Deed, BaMMOT is not allowed to be political in the sense of supporting or opposing any political party, and the foregoing notes should not be interpreted as BaMMOT following a particular “party line”. However, it does not seem unreasonable that a number of BaMMOT members should express concern at the potential loss of a public transport facility that, as far as we can see, is both of architectural merit (if perhaps in need of a “spring clean”) and still quite functional. Nevertheless, some might disagree, and for the sake of balance “Omnibus” invites a reasoned argument to the contrary.
Editor
Chapel Lane, Wythall, Worcs B47 6JX
Tel : 01564 826471 e-mail us
A registered educational charity no 507191
