Six key themes
Movement
Our proposal includes changes to the current access layout to prioritise active travel and sustainable modes of transport and redirecting areas for taxi ranks and short-term pick ups/drop offs. Greater provision for walking and cycling could enable better links to routes outside the site and into the city/ surrounding neighbourhoods.
The station forecourt
A recent survey shows that most people walk to the Train Stat ion – significantly more than other modes of transport. All other modes have a share of less than 20% each. More people tend to be dropped off by car than choose to park up themselves. Whilst a good number of people come to the Station by bus, the Station is also an important pick up/drop off location for other bus journeys.
This suggests that a rethink is needed on how the area outside the Station is organised.
The aim is to realise the development principle to prioritise ‘sustainable modes of transport’. The concept masterplan proposals are described below.
Station forecourt area where people are prioritised
Proposed Bus movements at Station
Proposed Private Vehicle movements at Station
Proposed Taxi movements at Station
Connections to existing city routes
Key
- Train station maintained and improved as a multi-modal hub
- Improve junctions for people walking – new crossings, wider footways, traffic management, greater priority, etc.
- Potential future links into masterplan sites
- Improve links for walking and cycling
- Connect into future walking and cycling routes
- Bus priority improvement with cycle facilities
Revised access proposals
The current access layout prioritises the taxi rank and short-term pick ups/drop-offs, in terms of who is able to get closest to the station. Further afield, existing routes for walking and cycling are incomplete or ill- defined and poor quality, e.g. crossing car parking etc. Our proposals to change this include:
Prioritise sustainable transport modes closest to the station
Make the eastern station forecourt buses-only, taxis turning around on Station Road to the south of the Station.
Bus-only access to the Carfax Junction from Station Hill will be maintained. This should be enforced by cameras.
Keep and improve good visibility to bus stops and taxi ranks. Taxis should rank on Station Road, south of the Station Forecourt.
Keep convenient accessible parking bays close to the station – possibly in the northwest car park, with improved signage.
Short stay pick up/drop off should be relocated away from the eastern forecourt to north-eastern and western car parks.
Better signage to key destinations from the station.
Provide a new westbound bus stop to meet travel demand. Bus stops at the Station should be redesigned as attractive parts of the new public space.
Remove the central island in the carriageway and narrow the carriageway to make it easier for pedestrians to cross. This could include new formal crossings.