In a costly urban renewal project, Southampton City Council has transformed the former Albion Place bus station into a vibrant green space and modern bus hub, with a total investment of £3.9 million. Nearly a million more than the estimated budget. The work was completed by Balfour Beatty. The car park also used to generate significant revenue for the council of around £320,000 per year.
The project, which opened to the public in November 2024, represents a significant step in the council’s broader initiative to revitalise the city center. The development features both a ‘state-of-the-art’ bus hub and an adjacent urban park at Castle Way, creating a new space within the heart of the City Centre. It also means cars cant travel through the road and now have to go around the area which some local residents have reported has increased traffic jams.
Although the bus area might not look that different. The council reports the new facility increased the number of available bus stops, demonstrating the council’s commitment to improving public transportation while simultaneously creating more green spaces for residents.
Construction began in January 2024, with workers transforming the former transport hub into a dual-purpose space that serves both commuters and those seeking a peaceful urban retreat. The development includes new seating areas, carefully preserved trees, and freshly laid turf, creating a welcoming environment for both travelers and local residents.
This project forms part of Southampton City Council’s broader vision for urban renewal, reflecting a growing trend among UK cities to balance transportation needs with green space development. The Labour controlled city council’s commitment to green sustainable urban planning. But do the local residents of Southampton think this is £4 million of local taxpayers money well spent?
