Bus station project to start soon

The demolition of the old station sparked protests

Derby's new bus station will be open by next autumn after years of delays, city officials and developers said.

Developer David Osborne said construction work will begin in May and the new complex should be open by autumn 2009.

He said some minor alterations have been made to the plans after consultation with bus operators.

The city's previous bus station was closed in October 2005 after months of protest by some local residents.

The protesters wanted to preserve the old Art Deco era building.

City councillor Ranjit Banwait said: "It is all about creating a 21st Century bus station that will be a fantastic place for the people of Derby to use."

He said it had been "a long frustrating wait" for the people of Derby since the old bus station was demolished in 2005.