Friendly bus station falls on Slough

Those expecting to arrive in Slough to a monochrome warren of roundabouts and concrete structures long past their sell-by date are soon to be very surprised.

Architects Bblur have designed an innovative bus station, complete with sculptural 140m long roof canopy, to act as a gateway for the town’s £400m regeneration.

The new building is expected to reinvigorate the area, replacing a rundown seventies bus station and providing an architectural touchstone for a town known more for being the location of BBC sitcom The Office than for its built environment.

The scheme will kick off construction of the “Heart of Slough” masterplan, a 17.5ha area which will see a new town centre built complete with council buildings, a library and new retail and leisure facilities.

The bus station received planning permission with the help of Drivers Jonas. Planning partner Mathew Jones said: “The application received unanimous approval at committee following a number of months of proactive engagement with key consultees and other interested parties to resolve all issues on this complex and high profile project. The bus station will provide a new landmark for Slough and one which we believe will be an important catalyst for further regeneration within the town centre.”