Demolition of Dudley superstore complete as bus station scheme enters next stage
The town-centre superstore has now been demolished to make way for a new bus station.
The demolition of the former Farmfoods branch in Dudley has now been completed, marking another milestone in the rebuilding of the town's bus terminal.
The store controversially closed a year ago after compulsory purchase proceedings were begun as part of £24 million new bus station in the town, which will link up with the tram line, which is also under construction. The tram link was due to open this year, but the date has now been but back a year.
The large superstore building, originally built in the early 1980s for defunct clothing retailer C & A, has now been razed to the ground ready for work on the new bus station to begin. The last remaining bus shelters from the old bus station have now also been removed.
Transport for West Midlands, which is behind the project, says the new bus station will be complete next year, providing a modern, bright and easy-to-use gateway to the town centre.
Jo Shore, director of delivery for Transport for West Midlands: "The removal of the largest building on the former bus station site is a clear sign of progress and we can now look forward to the start of construction in the coming weeks.
The new bus station is being funded by the Department for Transport.
People are also being invited to a free summer fair at neighbouring Birdcage Walk as part of campaign to promote local shops during the redevelopment work.
The event, from 12pm-4pm on Saturday, includes free family-friendly activities, including face painting and clay making. Those signing up in advance via eventbrite can also grab a free complimentary drink.
Councillor Paul Bradley, deputy leader of Dudley Council and cabinet member for economic delivery, said: "Work continues to progress on the exciting Dudley Interchange, which forms an important part of our regeneration programme for Dudley town centre.
"We welcome plans for a family fun event later this month and I hope people will come into Dudley to support their local town while seeing for themselves the amazing changes that are taking shape."
People who book their free tickets for the fun day through the Eventbrite website will also receive a complimentary drink.
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