Revitalised bus station reopens

After months of renovation, Barnstaple Bus Station in Belle Meadow has officially reopened, unveiling a modern, more welcoming transit hub for North Devon residents and visitors. 

Previously, the station building and toilets had closed with the first COVID-19 lockdown in 2020 and was unable to reopen unmanned. 

A risk assessment undertaken in 2022 highlighted issues with the layout of the building an the potential for misuse and antisocial behaviour. 

These findings were supported by the police, who recommended the facilities remained closed in their previous form.

The revamped station now features an upgraded layout, a new café, improved public amenities, and a fresh, vibrant look both inside and out.

The grand reopening ceremony, held on Friday, September 6, was attended by North Devon MP Ian Roome and Councillor Helen Walker, Chair of North Devon Council.

Together, they joined those who worked on the project to cut the ceremonial ribbon, marking the beginning of a new chapter for Barnstaple’s vital transportation hub.

The newly refurbished station boasts a safer and more comfortable environment. 

The redesigned layout includes improved lighting, expanded waiting areas, and added planters that enhance the space with a splash of colour, creating a more welcoming atmosphere for commuters and visitors alike.

Inside the station, the newly opened Barnstaple Bus Station Café and Takeaway is already serving up hot beverages, fresh sandwiches, pastries, and cakes. 

With public toilets now available during the café's opening hours, passengers can enjoy greater convenience during their travels.

Dan Brierley, manager of the café, expressed excitement about the new venture. 

“Myself and my wife Lucy are delighted to be a part of the revamped Barnstaple Bus Station with our family-run café and takeaway. We were born in and have grown up in Barnstaple and recognise the station as a valuable hub for the community, so it has been a pleasure to welcome our new customers, whether they are travelling around North Devon or simply coming in for our hot and cold refreshments,” he said. 

In addition to internal upgrades, the exterior of the bus station also received significant improvements, thanks to collaboration with Devon County Council. 

These upgrades include refurbished shelters, updated customer information boards, and new real-time electronic signage, ensuring that bus users have access to accurate and timely updates. 

The improvements are part of Devon’s wider Bus Service Improvement Plan, funded by the Department for Transport.

Councillor Andrea Davis, Devon County Council's Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Environment, and Transport, highlighted the positive impact of the upgrades: “The Bus Service Improvement Plan funding from the Department for Transport is making a positive difference right across Devon. 

“At Barnstaple Bus Station, it has helped provide a much-needed upgrade to the external waiting area, including replacement of the real time information signs, which will be welcomed by bus users. 

“The improved facilities have given the place a lift, making it much more appealing.”

The reopening of Barnstaple Bus Station is a pivotal moment for North Devon's transportation network, providing both locals and visitors with a revitalised, modern transit hub. 

With the added convenience of the café and public restrooms, the upgraded station is poised to become a central part of Barnstaple’s community life.

Councillor David Clayton, Leader of North Devon Council, expressed his gratitude for the project's success: “It's a great pleasure to be able to have the Barnstaple Bus Station building open again and I would like to thank our officers and the wider project team who have helped make this happen. We have a new local business running the station's café and I wish them every success in taking it forward.”

The project was funded by North Devon Council's capital fund, with additional support from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

For more information on Barnstaple Bus Station Café and Takeaway, visit their Facebook page.