Coach groups can expect a new and improved welcome in Plymouth from this September when new pick up and drop off points will be accessible.
Visitors will be able to take advantage of new dedicated pick up and drop off points at Derry’s Cross in the city center and the Barbican waterfront.
These facilities will replace the existing coach facility at the 1960s Bretonside station, which is being closed to allow a £42 million leisure complex to be built, including a new cinema.
New stops are currently being built, and pavements around Derry’s Cross roundabout in the city center will be re-engineered to create two dedicated locations for coaches, all due to open next month.
Up to five coaches at any one time will be able to use the bays, which have been designed to take into account continental coaches, with new road markings to create a safe boarding zone for passengers using an offside door.
Coach parking and driver facilities will be offered on a commercial basis by Citybus at their depot at Milehouse and Stagecoach at their depot at The Ride on the other side of Laira Bridge.
Plymouth will also welcome a new coach station for National Express, Megabus and SW Falcon services.
The new look station will accommodate all scheduled city-to-city long distance services, hold seven coaches at one time, and have a waiting room, booking office, a blue badge holder drop off bay, a food and drink concession and cycle stands.
Welcoming the changes, chief executive of Destination Plymouth Amanda Lumley said: “Plymouth receives many visitors who come by coach, especially tours from places such as Germany.
“The redevelopment of Bretonside has provided an opportunity to look at where we can improve drop off facilities close to key tourist attractions, shopping and restaurants.”
For more information on coach travel in and around Plymouth visit www.plymouth.gov.uk.
Pictured: Visualisation of the new visitor coach pick up and drop off point at Derry’s Cross Roundabout, Plymouth.
