Creating a user-friendly, efficient, integrated public and private transport network.
The plans for Sheffield station are only one component of an overall transport strategy for the city. The whole public transport system is in the process of being upgraded and refocused to respond to changing patterns of economic activity and demand. Poor city centre legibility and accessibility have in the past created barriers to investment, development and economic regeneration. Therefore, the Masterplan places great importance on tackling the access system in and around the city centre to create a user-friendly, efficient, integrated public and private transport network.
Key strategic projects include the re-prioritisation of the bus access system by providing two new loops, inner and outer; the remodelling of the Central Interchange and the introduction of a series of mini- and midi-interchanges; the radical improvement of the current access loop system, creating a more legible system with better signage; and upgrading the quality of the car parks serving the city centre.
Outputs
Activities will underpin the outputs from the other strategic projects.
Progress to Date
Considerable achievements have been made across the transport strategy as a whole with a series of projects either completed or progressed. Most notable is the Northern Inner Relief Road, the final phase of which will open in summer 2007.
The South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive has completed the remodelling work on the Central Interchange, releasing the land required for Sheffield Digital Campus. Arundel Gate midi-interchange was opened in 2006, and in tandem the Connect project has made substantial progress. A total of 36 Pedestrian Information Points were installed in the city centre by the end of 2006 together with new Connect bus shelters and transport flags. Projects such as Granville Square, Eyre Street and Charter Row have improved the vehicle access loop system and work on the new variable message signage has begun. It will be completed in 2007 along with a total strategic re-signing of the city centre.
In addition, new multi-storey car parks have been completed at Sheffield Station Gateway and Castlegate, with the Heart of the City multi-storey now on site and further car parks planned at The Moor Markets and within the NRQ.