A plan to revamp Plymouth's Royal Parade has drawn criticism following news the cost has increased by £2.5m.
The project is expected to start on July 7 - six months after the original planned date - with the price tag ballooning to £7.5m from the initial £5m estimated by the council.
Funding for the venture will be secured through the Department for Transport’s Transforming Cities Fund and Bus Grant, combined with contributions from Historic England’s Heritage Action Zone initiative and the council’s own Better Places funding.
The local authority says the Royal Parade Bus Improvement Scheme is aimed at easing traffic snarls and bolstering bus service reliability by extending bus stands along the shop-facing side of the route.
But the public remains sceptical, suggesting that Citybus should prioritise upgrading its services instead. Critical viewpoints have emerged on Plymouth City Council's Facebook announcement and within the comments section of PlymouthLive’s Facebook update.
Voicing concerns via PlymouthLive’s social platform, Plymouth Disability Action highlighted: "Should have begun in January, didn't. Was supposed to be well underway by now, it isn't. You can bet it'll be over budget as well", reports .
Concerned residents took to social media to express their dismay and frustration over the lengthy timeline and mounting costs.
On Facebook, Jim Mac posted: "It says about nine months, so it will probably be two-plus years."
Ryan Dominic Arnold questioned the value for money: "So, three extra bus stops are going to cost £7m, and some new toucan lights."
Dave Cann wrote: "Nearly £7.5m, that will be £12m by the new year. Meanwhile Central Park looks a mess."
Rae Ramouche added: "Can't finish one job before starting another. Somewhat depressing walking through town."
One reader shared their discontent directly with a PlymouthLive reporter: "Projects undertaken and signed off by this council always run into delays and always go over budget."
These public concerns followed the recent news of the Royal Parade upgrade facing further delays and cost increases. Initially, construction was set to start in January 2023 and conclude by July; however, progress was hindered by contractual negotiations and difficulties in sourcing new bus shelters.
The council has announced an update regarding the upcoming works, revealing that contractor Morgan Sindall will begin work next month with a new completion timeframe of nine months, rather than the initially projected six, pushing the finish to next spring. The council emphasised that the completed development is expected to alleviate congestion by streamlining bus queues and eliminating the need for double stacking of buses.
Starting July 7, all bus stops on the shop side of Royal Parade, ranging from Courtenay Street to St Andrews Cross roundabout, will be out of service with temporary alternatives positioned within the city centre.
Traffic on the eastbound "shop" side of Royal Parade will be narrowed down to one lane, so there will be no designated bus lane between Derry's Cross and St Andrews Cross roundabouts; however, cyclists will retain access in the all-traffic lane.
Throughout the day, pedestrian thoroughfares will be maintained, and all three crossings will remain operational. Some night-time restrictions may necessitate pedestrian diversion to the other side of Royal Parade via these crossings.
As part of the works, there are plans to install granite along the pavements, replacing deteriorated and slippery concrete slabs, leading to sections of the pavement between the kerb and shop fronts being cordoned off during the process.
Access to businesses and residential properties will be maintained throughout, as the pavement refurbishment progresses in stages, with temporary walkways facilitating entry to shop entrances.
Carriageway reconstruction and surfacing will require full road closures, but these will take place overnight only and a diversion route will be in place via Western Approach, Cobourg Street and Exeter Street.
Main construction work will start on July 14 and includes
Redesigning the road with a shallow sawtooth layout, increasing the number of bus stops from 12 to 15, to prevent double stacking, unnecessary idling and improve air quality. This will improve bus manoeuvrability and safety by reducing the need for buses to reverse out and ensure passengers can get on and off from the pavement.
Clearer information about where and what bus to get in the new shelters and upgraded Real Time Passenger Information displays.
Bigger shelters to make it easier for people with pushchairs or wheelchairs to use them. They will have living roofs to support biodiversity.
An upgraded toucan crossing at Armada Way for pedestrians and cyclists.
Average speed camera system to replace existing static cameras, “supporting a safe environment for pedestrians” the council said.
