Plans for a new transport hub aim to make the growing market town of Newent more appealing to visitors.
Local officials described Newent as “the most beautiful town in the Forest of Dean” but expressed concern that the first impression for many visitors is the Lewell Street car park, where recycling bins often overflow.
The area will be transformed and rebranded as St Benedict’s Square, reflecting its history as the site of a former Benedictine priory. The plans include a new shelter with live passenger information.
Adjustments to the 32 bus route, which connects Newent with Gloucester, will improve access for residents in the southeast of the town, ensuring that a bus stop is within a ten-minute walk for most people.
According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, plans for the transport hub include secure cycle storage and a repair facility, electric vehicle charging points, a drinking water fountain, and a feature history wall showcasing Newent’s heritage.
The consultation is being led by public transport group Buses4Us and is supported by Newent Town Council, Stagecoach, Gloucestershire County Council, Forest of Dean District Council, and the Newent Cycle Group.
Clare Stone, chairman of Buses4Us, said the improvements would help prepare the town for the more than 1,000 homes expected over the next 20 years. She noted that, according to the local plan, development in Newent is focused in the southeast of the town.
Now, if we don’t have a good public transport link between the town centre and the new development areas in place before construction starts, those residents will be left very disconnected,” she said.
Sid Green, Forest of Dean District Council’s cabinet member for property and projects, confirmed that the council is fully supportive of the plans.
Gill Moseley, Gloucestershire County Councillor for Newent, added that it is “particularly important” to have the scheme in place before “we get involved with local government reorganisation,” noting that the council has a dedicated officer overseeing the project.
In addition to council funding, a bequest to Buses4Us in memory of a local resident is also contributing to the development. Gary Vaughan, who passed away last year, had said that “something needs doing with that car park,” according to the transport group.
Work on the project is expected to begin in late spring.
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