Merthyr Tydfil Bus Station – the sequel

Like many great stories and Hollywood movies, our initial blog posted on 3rd March 2020, about Shufflebottom’s involvement with the development of the new Merthyr Tydfil Bus Station, warrants a sequel. In fact, we signed off that first post with the words: “More news and images as the project progresses at speed!”

Looking back that was quite a bold claim to make at the beginning of a global pandemic, but despite a never-to-be-forgotten year, we are proud to say that the £11 million Welsh Government funded development has been completed ahead of schedule. The keys for the state-of-the-art bus station were recently handed over to the Council’s Interim Chief Executive Officer, Ellis Cooper, and Deputy CEO, Alyn Owen by the main contractor, Morgan Sindall’s Project Manager, Ross Williams, ahead of its opening. Now that’s what you call news!

Once again, we are delighted that Shufflebottom has been able to partner Morgan Sindall on a project of this scope and level of challenge. Morgan Sindall was the natural choice for this project with an acknowledged track-record of success in leading on many large-scale construction projects throughout Wales. We are pleased to have supplied Morgan Sindall with the expertise and steelwork necessary for a building that demanded 134.5 tonnes hot- rolled steel and 0.529 ton cold-rolled steel of which 43.5 tonnes was galvanised finish and 91 tones painted.

A recent visit to the site enabled us to see this imposing structure making its mark above the town centre skyline. We were very excited to see all the hard work coming together in such a high quality and prestigious build. The roof in particular, is a marvel, which called for extremely complex roof steel work so that its profile acknowledged Merthyr Tydfil’s geographical setting as a neighbour of the Brecon Beacons and acknowledged the town’s cultural and industrial heritage, by giving a contemporary take on the famous 1817 watercolour and roof-scape by Robert Horner of Merthyr Tydfil’s Rolling Mills by Robert Horner.

The new Merthyr Tydfil project has long-term sustainability at its core and replaces entirely, the old, and poorly joined-up bus station on Victoria Street. The new development at Swan Street is a 21st century translation of Merthyr Tydfil CBC and Welsh Government’s vision of a modern, high-quality transport interchange facility and link-up with South Wales Metro. The development will also be a catalyst for major re-development of the Merthyr Tydfil Town Centre. It is a high-profile base for South Wales Police, an independent café, Bradleys, and a takeaway coffee shop, Milk and Sugar. Importantly, the building will completely run off renewable green sources.

We are pleased that Shufflebottom could work alongside Morgan Sindall and play our part in such a prestigious project for the town and people of Merthyr Tydfil which will enhance the quality of life and the economy as the area goes forward and rebuilds better post-pandemic.

It’s testament to Morgan Sindall that this fit-for-purpose 21st century transport facility has been delivered despite the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. The project was actually delivered with zero snags and on time to the agreed programme. Every pound of Welsh Government funding invested in the station has been reinvested in local suppliers and contractors, with over 95% of the supply chain being based within 25 miles of the site. It’s great to see the vision and design of the project completed so well and to the highest standards, and we’re delighted with the results.

Ellis Cooper, Interim CEO, Merthyr Tydfil CBC

Morgan Sindall was privileged and delighted to achieve the delivery of such a prestigious project for Merthyr Tydfil. Considering the challenges we’ve all faced over the duration of this project, we are all delighted to be able to say we are complete, and thrilled with the final product. We look forward to seeing the building being used to its full potential by the residents of and visitors to Merthyr Tydfil for many years to come.

Ross Williams, Project Manager, Morgan Sindall