Work on a new £13 million bus interchange in Chester is now complete.

Graham Construction has delivered the 24-hour facility on behalf of Cheshire West and Chester Council as part of the £300 million Chester Northgate in the city centre.

Features include an innovative horseshoe design, housing 13 bus stands providing easy access into all areas of the station. It hosts 90 bus movements per hour and is also used by National Express coaches for long-distance journeys.

The building was built using individual glued laminated timber roof rafters with steel purlins to achieve the modern curved structure. In addition, it also incorporates an eco-friendly grass roof made up of a combination of plants and soil that will improve air quality as well as help to develop biodiversity and wildlife in the local area.

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Gary Hughes, Graham's North of England regional director, said: "We are immensely proud to create this gateway for the city of Chester. This building acts as a landmark for those arriving by public transport and its striking appearance will have an instant impact on how people perceive the city.

"The Chester Bus Interchange has been a fantastic project to work on, and we are particularly pleased with the outcome of the eco-friendly roof we have installed. Not only does this feature make the building stand out, it will improve air quality and biodiversity as well as reducing the effect of the drainage run off on the local sewer network.

"This project is a key enabler of the regeneration of the wider area and I look forward to seeing the benefits that the community will enjoy from having such a quality facility."

Cllr Brian Clarke said: "The completion of the Bus Interchange marks a major milestone for Chester Northgate. The old bus exchange site forms a large part of the footprint for the new hotel, market, cinema, shops and restaurants being planned.

"The Interchange connects to the city centre by the newly landscaped Frodsham Street. Cheshire West and Chester Council is investing in a vibrant Chester through a wide range of projects."

(LM/MH)