PLANS for a new Transport Hub in Hereford have moved a step closer to reality as work on the central canopy feature begins.

A crane is currently on site installing the canopy for the £10m project. The Transport Hub will bring together public transport and active travel, while providing a new focal point for visitors to the city and beyond.

The Transport Hub forms part of the wider Improving Transport in Hereford programme — a package of measures designed to make it easier to travel locally.

The programme is backed by £20.5million of investment from the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund.

It will create a new gateway to Hereford, offering an attractive and welcoming arrival point for people coming to explore the city and the wider county.

With pedestrian areas, meeting spaces and a café, the new hub will also provide a new meeting and leisure space for city residents.

Contractor McPhillips Wellington has begun work on the installation of the metal pillars that will support the canopy.

The visually striking structure has been designed to complement the historic character of the station and the surrounding area.

Other features of the new transport hub include an enclosed waiting area, covered cycle parking, on-street bus stops, a pedestrian zone, and green spaces with seating.

Herefordshire Council’s Cabinet member for transport and infrastructure, Cllr Philip Price, said that this is a milestone for a project that will significantly improve how people arrive in Hereford and added: “The Transport Hub will create a more welcoming, accessible and sustainable gateway, supporting public transport, active travel and the local economy, while respecting the historic setting of the railway station.

“As construction progresses, residents and visitors will see the hub taking shape.”

The project team expect that the Transport Hub will be completed later this year.