No sign of bus station reopening as costs mount

The closure of Bradford Interchange's bus station has cost taxpayers around £1m so far - and there is still no date for when the building will reopen.

A decision on its future will now not be made until at least September.

The cost was revealed on Friday by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) as part of an updated report on the fate of the facility.

It shut the concourse and bus station on 4 January due to safety concerns after a piece of concrete fell from the roof of an underground car park. The adjacent railway station remains open.

The report stated that the closure had led to additional costs and loss of income to the authority estimated to be between £204,000 and £238,000 per month.

It also highlighted how more than £13m had been spent on repairs and maintenance in recent years. Security costs had also increased.

Engineers say that more in-depth surveys are needed before a final decision can be made, with permanent closure, partial or full re-pening all being considered as options.

Three to four alternative sites are also being assessed as temporary locations if the station cannot be used for Bradford's City of Culture year in 2025.

West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin said on behalf of WYCA: “We are very sorry for the disruption caused by the closure of the bus station and roadworks linked to investment in the city centre.

“We are working flat-out to come to the right decision on the future of the Interchange, bearing in mind the critical importance of public safety.

“In the meantime, residents and businesses have my word that we will continue to invest in Bradford to make a great success of this magnificent city as its 2025 UK City of Culture year approaches.”

Bradford Council leader Susan Hinchcliffe has been critical of the authority's response to the situation and asked for the report's release to be brought forward.

She said: "We all know just how difficult the closure of the Interchange has clearly been for passengers and local businesses. I understand and share the frustration felt.

"It’s in everyone’s interests to get the findings of the surveys the WYCA has commissioned as quickly as possible. We need clear answers on the future of the building.

“We are working closely with the Combined Authority to plan next steps whatever the outcome of the surveys."

The report said the terminus, built in 1970s, is at the end of its 50-year lifespan.

It outlined plans to create an enhanced rail gateway using part of a repurposed £22m funding pot originally set aide for improvements to the Interchange.

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