BDP has completed the second phase of the Arle Court Transport Hub in Cheltenham, which sees the addition of a new bus terminal.
The second phase of the Arle Court Transport Hub, a new park and ride facility in Cheltenham, has reached completion. This phase, which includes a new multi-storey car park and an expansive bus terminal, officially opened to the public on 29 July 2024, marking a key step forward in Gloucestershire’s pursuit of sustainable transport initiatives
Designed BDP, the £33 million project is a key part of the Gloucestershire Local Transport Plan 2020-204 and looks to bolster travel options for those living in and travelling to west Cheltenham, as well as those arriving via the M5 on long-distance coaches.
Arle Court in relation to the wider geographical transport context. Cheltenham centre can be seen to the right.
The project was financed by the Housing Infrastructure Fund (HIF), managed by Homes England, and Gloucestershire County Council, highlighting its importance within the broader framework of regional development, in an attempt to make public transport a more appealing choice for park and ride users.
At the heart of the new hub is an expanded bus terminal, designed to support reliable bus services connecting key locations such as Gloucester and Cheltenham hospitals and town and city centres. The hub also features a range of new and upgraded passenger amenities, including indoor and outdoor waiting areas, real-time information displays, a customer service desk, restrooms, secure cycle storage, maintenance tools, and shower facilities.
The site now offers nearly 1,000 car parking spaces, including 860 in the new multi-storey car park. Additionally, the hub hosts the UK’s largest contactless payment EV charging public transport hub, with 100 7kW EV charging points installed in partnership with Connected Kerb, with the potential to expand to 266 charging points in the future.
BDP’s design approach focused on creating smooth transitions between different modes of transport while ensuring a comfortable journey throughout. Furthermore, the building’s embodied carbon reduced by 20 per cent and the hub is Net Zero in operational carbon, being supported by solar PV panels that help offset the energy demands of the electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
Externally, the hub is defined by a façade made up of bronze and aluminium fins, distributed as a dynamic wave effect along its perimeter. The building is also surrounded by landscaped green spaces, filled with new trees and plants.
As the project transitions into its third and final phase, which began in late July 2024, further upgrades are expected. This phase, scheduled for completion by November 2024, will add additional surface parking spaces to the existing west car park, introduce dedicated coach and campervan parking, and see the installation of four rapid EV charging points.
“Arle Court Transport Hub provides the infrastructure and facilities needed to bring together many sustainable transport options and significantly improve customer experience,” said Matt Mayes, architect director at BDP in a statement. “The idea behind the project is that local people have the opportunity to use sustainable travel methods, such as cycling, scooting, or walking, to travel in and out of Cheltenham with excellent travel connections to help them reach their final destination. This approach supports the 15-minute city concept, which aims to provide choice and improve people’s quality of life.”
“The completion of Phase 2 of Arle Court Transport Hub is a significant milestone in our mission to provide the necessary infrastructure to facilitate sustainable travel in Gloucestershire,” added Councillor David Gray, cabinet member for environment and planning at Gloucestershire County Council. “The new facilities will not only make public transport and sustainable travel options more accessible but also play a crucial role in reducing traffic congestion and improving air quality in Cheltenham and Gloucester.”
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