Chorley Council to acquire Chorley Bus Station from Lancashire County Council in a bid to revamp much used local asset

Chorley Council has agreed plans for an acquisition of the Chorley Bus Station.

The deal will see the Council take ownership and day-to-day management of the site looking to develop how the station can be further utilised as a community asset, complimenting the other already great public use areas in the town centre.

Councillor Alistair Bradley, Leader of Chorley Council said, "For a long time we have known how integral the bus station in the town centre is to residents and visitors to the borough and I am pleased we have agreed with Lancashire County Council to acquire the site.

"I'm of the firm belief that we as the local authority are best placed to understand our communities, our public spaces and town centre areas and that under our management, town centre assets such as this have the opportunity to really thrive.

The bus station was previously owned in partnership with Lancashire County Council, however it is envisaged that Chorley Council will take full ownership of the station from as early as October 2023.

Councillor Bradley continued, "This is a chance for us to take a much-used town centre asset on board and the make the absolute most of the opportunities a site such as this offers to the town centre.

"Our aspiration for Chorley town centre continues to be that it is a vibrant, safe, with fantastic amenities and enjoyable for all and I have no doubt that the bus station under our management will play a key role in this."

"We see the bus station as a gateway to the brilliant town centre, a safe place where people can meet, spend time in shops or café's and get a feel to what the rest of Chorley has to offer. I cannot wait to get started."

County Councillor Alan Vincent, Deputy Leader of Lancashire County Council, said, "Chorley Bus Station was opened in 2003 as part of our programme to develop high quality, enclosed bus stations at key locations across the county. As well as at Chorley, this programme of investment has realised new bus stations at Lancaster, Burnley, Accrington and Rawtenstall and the award-winning refurbishment of Preston Bus Station.

"We're always striving to improve the way services are run, and are pleased to work with Chorley Council on the transfer of the bus station as we recognise that fully owning this facility will benefit the day-to-day management of the town, and assist the future development of the area."

More detail about plans for the bus station are set to be shared soon.