Gloucestershire County Council leaders are proud of the £35 million Arle Court transport hub near Cheltenham, describing it as a major achievement in the region’s transport infrastructure. Located off the A40 Arle Court roundabout, the site has been operational for nearly a year, serving as a key interchange for buses and coaches.
Despite this success, uncertainty surrounds the opening date of the planned cafe at the park and ride facility. At a Shire Hall meeting on July 16, public transport advocate David Redgewell inquired about the cafe’s status and sought updates on improved bus connections from Arle Court to Cheltenham town center.
Cabinet member Roger Whyborn, responsible for sustainable transport and strategic highways, confirmed that while the transport hub is well established with expanded bus services, the cafe is still in the procurement phase. “The acquisition of funding and the development of this facility is a significant achievement,” he said. “We are currently advertising for a vendor to operate the cafe, and this process will be completed soon.”
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Additionally, Whyborn provided updates on bus service improvements, including enhancements to services 99 (hospital link) and 100 (park and ride), slated for late summer or early autumn. These improvements include new Sunday access arrangements, which require more preparation than typical timetable changes. Plans are also progressing to provide service K users access to Arle Court later this year, further boosting connectivity in the area.
While the transport hub continues to thrive, residents and travelers await the opening of the cafe and improved bus links that will enhance the overall user experience.