A re-opening event took place at the revamped station building in Belle Meadow on Friday, 6 September, with North Devon MP Ian Roome and Chair of North Devon Council, Councillor Helen Walker joining those who have worked on the project to cut the ribbon.
The station building has a new and improved layout, bringing the building up to date and providing a safer and more comfortable visitor experience, while outside an array of planters provide a welcoming injection of colour.
A new café, Barnstaple Bus Station Café and Takeaway, is operating out of the building, offering refreshments including fresh sandwiches and pastries, coffee and cakes.
Toilets are available for the public during the cafés opening hours.
The council worked with RGP Architects to devise the improved layout. Works got under way in May and were completed by Grills Renovations and Refurbishments.
Outside the bus station building, Devon County Council is making improvements to the station's facilities, including refurbished shelters, updated customer information and new electronic real-time signage. These external improvements were made possible through Bus Service Improvement Plan funding from the Department for Transport.
Leader of North Devon Council, Councillor David Clayton, said: "It's a great pleasure to be able to have the Barnstaple Bus Station building open again and I would like to thank our officers and the wider project team who have helped make this happen. We have a new local business running the station's café and I wish them every success in taking it forward.
"The building's previous layout made it an unfortunate target for misuse and anti-social behaviour. After taking time to find the appropriate scheme to address those concerns we have this wonderful updated and improved hub which can be enjoyed safely and give those coming to Barnstaple by bus a welcoming environment."
Manager of Barnstaple Bus Station Café and Takeaway, Dan Brierley, said: "Myself and my wife Lucy are delighted to be a part of the revamped Barnstaple Bus Station with our family-run café and takeaway. We were born in and have grown up in Barnstaple and recognise the station as a valuable hub for the community, so it has been a pleasure to welcome our new customers, whether they are travelling around North Devon or simply coming in for our hot and cold refreshments."
Devon County Council's Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Environment and Transport, Councillor Andrea Davis, said: “The Bus Service Improvement Plan funding from the Department for Transport is making a positive difference right across Devon.
"At Barnstaple Bus Station, it has helped provide a much-needed upgrade to the external waiting area, including replacement of the real time information signs, which will be welcomed by bus users.
"The improved facilities have given the place a lift, making it much more appealing.
"We are committed to improving the experience of all bus passengers and hopefully it will encourage more people to use public transport and help us reduce carbon emissions in the county.”
Funding for the building improvements has come from North Devon Council's capital fund, with part funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Find out more about Barnstaple Bus Station Cafe and Takeaway by visiting its Facebook page.