Bailey Streetscene designed, manufactured and installed a bespoke seating package to the new transport interchange at Ashton-under-Lyne. The £28k scheme was a major redevelopment of the existing space to make it more passenger friendly. There is now a covered concourse with extensive seating, shops and passenger facilities. Visitors now have access to both buses and trams with this modern transport hub.

Bailey Streetscene were asked to provide bespoke DDA compliant seating for the users of the new interchange. Many stakeholders were involved in the design process, including the local authority, Tameside Council, who required a low maintenance product; Transport for Greater Manchester needing DDA compliant products, such as accessibility in the form of armrests and backrests for disabled users, they also wanted the lifecycle value of the product to be a factor, ensuring sustainability and longevity & the main contractor, Vinci Construction who needed products to be manufactured and fitted within a complex and demanding timeframe.

A key challenge was producing a modern design that worked with the overall feel of the scheme, in addition to the lengthy brief from the clients. There was also a strict colour palette, as part of TFGM’s branding that had to be considered.

Under consultation Bailey Streetscene created a design that worked with DDA seating and vision regulations, durable materials that offered a low maintenance option (galvanised finish steelwork with hardwood timber) open leg supports along with slatted seating area that allowed for efficient cleaning and no areas for rubbish build up.

The resulting scheme produces a total of over 48 metres of bespoke seating. Ashton Transport Interchange now has seating and rest areas that have been carefully created for all users of the interchange.