Overview

Co-ordinating planters and seating from Streetlife have been used in the £2.5m overhaul of the bus hub at Garrick Street in Gravesend, Kent.

Because a passenger’s perception of public transport often starts at the boarding point, a high-quality and accessible waiting area is vital for creating a positive experience. A well-appointed waiting environment should be bright, feel safe, be fully accessible, and offer comfort and shelter from the weather. Pleasant surroundings will encourage travellers to leave the car at home more often, making cities more future-proof.

Previously this was a backstreet with three different bus stops, but it has been redesigned and furnished by local architectural firm Kaner Olette and the Waterman Group with the aim of improving connections between train, bus and bicycle.

Project detail

In addition to fastrack’s dark blue company colour, the design uses a lot of wood as a base feature – a durable and warm material. All furniture is co-ordinated for an integrated look.

In addition to incorporating several standard elements in the design, Streetlife modified its Green Circular Benches especially for the bus hub so that they fit around the support columns of the new canopy.

Outcome

Kent County Council's  Public Transport Department required a first-rate design to enhance fastrack’s high-quality bus service. All parties committed to this, and the result is impressive.

To provide shelter and a comfortable space for people while waiting for a bus, the design features a large transparent canopy, public toilets and ample seating. The new layout gives passengers more space, making sheltering under the outdated canopies that were too small a thing of the past. The use of paving in light colours and the addition of lots of greenery to the streetscape serve to neutralise the bleak brick and concrete surroundings. Playful configurations of furniture also help to make the space less austere.

Passengers say they are very satisfied with the new bus hub and comment the waiting area is pleasant and feels safer in the dark.

The complete refurbishment of Gravesend bus hub commenced in June 2021, and was completed by summer 2022.