MAJOR repairs to a flame-torn Slough bus station that will cost ‘hundreds of thousands of pounds’ are being looked into.

Slough Borough Council, bus companies, designers, planners, and insurance loss adjusters have formed a new group to look at the best way into renovating and restoring the £16m landmark hub back to its former glory.

Orange skies were seen in the early hours of October 29, 2022, after a massive fire ripped through the bus station.

The structure, which was closed due to health and safety, has been deemed safe again for bus companies to use for parking only. It is still closed to the public and buses will continue to use Brunel Way and Wellington Street as stopping places.

Slough Observer: A massive fire ripped through the Slough bus station in OctoberA massive fire ripped through the Slough bus station in October (Image: LDRS)

The group believes the renovation and restoration works will be split into two phases:

  • The ‘head’ – which had minimal damage from the fire, but was unusable due to water and other damage, in particular to the electrics. This phase would reopen the bus company offices, rest rooms for drivers, the shop and public toilet.
  • The ‘tail’ – which took the brunt of the fire damage both in the overhead structure and the bus stops beneath.

READ MORE: Slough Bus Station fire will cost 'tens of thousands'

Cllr Mohammed Nazir (Lab: Baylis & Stoke), lead member for transport, said: “The new group we have set up includes not only the bus companies but designers; all of whom bring expertise on the building itself but also on the operational efficiency of any proposals which come forward.

“Though our main aim is to bring the bus station back into use, we would be remiss if we didn’t consider making changes which may be better for both the bus companies and the thousands of residents who use local buses.

READ MORE: Flame torn Slough bus station to be probed by council

“The bus station is a unique structure, bespoke for the town and putting it right again is not as simple as just appointing a contractor and getting on with it.

“This is not necessarily a case of replacing like with like but finding the best solutions and working with stakeholders to implement them.”