Out with the old?, in with the new? | Stagecoach Stockton Prepares for Full New Bus Depot Look!

The plans to replace 'worn and dated' buildings a 'streamlined and future-ready transport hub' are being considered by Stockton Council Stagecoach submits plans for 'bus depot of the future' including gym and roof terrace in Stockton #publictransport #busspotting #busenthusiast #automobile #busspottinguk #buscompany #busmanufacturer #stagecoach #stagecoachbus A bus company's plans for a new "depot of the future" including a gym and engineers' "think tank" are being considered by Stockton Council. Stagecoach North East has asked for planning permission to build a replacement bus depot, with a three-storey office building including a staff gym, canteen and roof terrace, off Portrack Lane and Church Road in Stockton. Knocking down the old buildings will make a "smaller, more efficient depot building", freeing up space for a larger yard with bus wash facilities, fast-fix lanes, skips and bins in a "streamlined and future-ready transport hub", with parking reduced from 77 to 48 spaces. Town planner Emily Floeser wrote in a planning statement: "Stagecoach is actively working towards the full electrification of its fleet and is committed to upgrading its existing infrastructure to align with this goal. It says the proposal is meant to modernise and make better use of the site, having already installed equipment to electrify 66 buses. It says the current depot is in a state of disrepair and the proposed development will replace existing "worn and dated bus depot buildings" which are now deemed too large to serve any purpose and "exceed what is necessary for the efficient operation of an electric vehicle bus fleet", according to a planning statement. Knocking down the old buildings will make a "smaller, more efficient depot building", freeing up space for a larger yard with bus wash facilities, fast-fix lanes, skips and bins in a "streamlined and future-ready transport hub", with parking reduced from 77 to 48 spaces. Town planner Emily Floeser wrote in a planning statement: "Stagecoach is actively working towards the full electrification of its fleet and is committed to upgrading its existing infrastructure to align with this goal. "As part of this transition, the company is proposing a comprehensive redevelopment of its current depot site to support the operational demands of a modern fleet of electric buses. The existing depot is in poor condition and would require extensive and costly modifications to be retained. Stagecoach aims to replace it with a purpose-built facility that reflects the ambitions of a 'depot of the future'. "The development responds to the identified need for modernised infrastructure to support economic growth and employment... . It supports Stagecoach’s transition to a fully electric fleet, improving local air quality and reducing carbon emissions. The depot upgrade ensures continuity of public transport services while allowing the depot to evolve in order to meet current and future infrastructure and operational needs.