Transport Hub in Arle Court Faced Disruption Due to Protests

**Arle Court Transport Hub in Cheltenham Opens Doors to Sustainable Travel and Regional Growth**

The Arle Court Transport Hub, a significant milestone in the mission to provide infrastructure for sustainable travel in Gloucestershire, officially opened its doors to the public on July 29, 2024. Financed by the Housing Infrastructure Fund (HIF) and Gloucestershire County Council, this £33 million project is a key element in the town’s sustainable transport initiatives and regional development.

The hub's primary focus is on sustainable transport, with the intention of encouraging commuters to park outside the town center and use public transport. This initiative aims to reduce traffic congestion and vehicle emissions in Cheltenham, making public transport and sustainable travel options more accessible. The hub is designed to bolster travel options for those living in and traveling to west Cheltenham, as well as those arriving via the M5 on long-distance coaches.

The second phase of the project has been completed, introducing an expanded bus terminal that supports reliable bus services to key locations such as hospitals and town and city centers. Externally, the hub is defined by a facade made up of bronze and aluminium fins, distributed as a dynamic wave effect along its perimeter. This modern design not only contributes to the functional appeal of the hub but also integrates it well into the local landscape and infrastructure.

The design approach of the Arle Court Transport Hub focuses on smooth transitions between different modes of transport and a comfortable journey. The hub hosts the UK's largest contactless payment EV charging public transport hub, with 100 7kW EV charging points installed. There is potential for the number of EV charging points to expand to 266 in the future. The building's embodied carbon has been reduced by 20 per cent, and the hub is Net Zero in operational carbon, supported by solar PV panels.

The hub offers nearly 1,000 car parking spaces, including 860 in the new multi-storey car park. The third phase of the project, which began in late July 2024, will add additional surface parking spaces, introduce dedicated coach and campervan parking, and see the installation of four rapid EV charging points.

Matt Mayes, architect director at BDP, stated that the hub aims to provide the opportunity for local people to use sustainable travel methods and improve travel connections. By improving transport links and accessibility, the Arle Court Transport Hub enhances Cheltenham’s connectivity within Gloucestershire and to broader regions, facilitating easier commuter travel and potentially attracting more visitors and businesses to the area.

The Arle Court Transport Hub also supports the 15-minute city concept, which aims to provide choice and improve people's quality of life. The hub is surrounded by landscaped green spaces, filled with new trees and plants, offering a tranquil environment for commuters.

In addition to its transport benefits, the project is connected with broader Employment and Skills initiatives aimed at boosting local job opportunities and improving careers education. This suggests that the hub is not just a transport facility but also a driver for regional economic development and workforce enhancement.

The Arle Court Transport Hub represents a strategic investment in Cheltenham’s sustainable transport infrastructure that aims to reduce environmental impacts, support local employment and skills development, and foster regional growth through improved connectivity and modern design. The opening of this hub marks a significant step forward in Cheltenham's commitment to sustainable and accessible transport solutions.

[1] Gloucestershire County Council. (2024). Arle Court Transport Hub. Retrieved from https://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/transport-and-roads/projects/arle-court-transport-hub/ [2] BDP. (2024). Arle Court Transport Hub. Retrieved from https://www.bdp.com/projects/arle-court-transport-hub

The Arle Court Transport Hub, a £33 million project financed by the Housing Infrastructure Fund (HIF) and Gloucestershire County Council, is focused on sustainable transport and aims to encourage commuters to use public transportation, reducing traffic congestion and emissions in Cheltenham.
The hub's design, with a modern facade of bronze and aluminum fins, integrates well into the local landscape, and its interior boasts the UK's largest contactless payment EV charging public transport hub, with the potential to expand to 266 charging points.
The hub offers numerous parking spaces, including a new multi-storey car park, and the third phase of the project will add surface parking spaces, dedicated coach and campervan parking, and four rapid EV charging points.
Beyond its transport benefits, the Arle Court Transport Hub supports Employment and Skills initiatives, boosting local job opportunities and improving careers education, demonstrating its role as a driver for regional economic development.