Occupying a prominent site in the heart of Birkenhead, the new bus station has become the focus for a comprehensive town centre regeneration programme. The brief stipulated that public perception of public transport should be transformed, and the client required a high quality, safe and efficient public transport facility, with a particular emphasis on disabled use. The design is based on a curved colonnade, linking all bus bays in a continuous arc, and incorporating a two storey control and information centre. The building is designed to be low maintenance, making use of passive solar energy and natural 'stack effect' ventilation.

Civic Trust Centre Vision Award, Merseyside Civic Society Award, RIBA Award, Structural Steel Design Award

Date: 1994-97
Budget: £1.5 million
Client: Merseytravel

Sustainability achievements:

• Town centre public transport facility
• Centrepiece of the town centre regeneration
• Attractive, safe environment transforming people’s perception of public transport
• Key urban design role
• Low maintenance
• Natural lighting
• Passive solar energy and natural ‘stack effect’ ventilation