A NEW bus depot could be built on Dallam Lane allowing the current operation on Wilderspool Causeway to be demolished and redeveloped.

A planning application has been submitted for the site to allow Warrington's Own Buses to expand its operation.

The new depot will have room for 20 more buses, taking the fleet total to 140.

Ben Wakerley, Warrington's Own Buses managing director, said: “This is a vital next step in ensuring the town has the most efficient and technically-advanced fleet possible.

Warrington Guardian:

Ben Wakerley

“It will enable us to improve conditions for our hard-working colleagues and ensure that we can continue to improve the service for our passengers.”

The applicant, Wire Regeneration, is a joint venture between Warrington Borough Council and developer Langtree that has been tasked with bringing about the wholesale regeneration of the town’s Southern Gateway.

The first project in its wider masterplan, the construction of 160 new homes on the site of Warrington RLFC’s former Wilderspool stadium, was recently granted planning permission.

READ MORE > Homes to be built on former Wilderspool stadium

This latest move, says Langtree group development director Neal Biddle, is the next major step in delivering its proposals, the relocation of the bus depot freeing up a key site.

Warrington Guardian:

How the depot could look

“This is a key site within our masterplan and if permission is granted for the new depot will allow us to bring forward proposals for major civic space and more homes.”

If planning permission is granted the new depot would be complete and operational by the summer of 2021.

The team behind the plans include Janus Architects (specialists in bus depots), Spawforths – planners, Cundalls - M&E, Marston and Grundy – civil &  structural engineers and Curtins – traffic & transport consultants.