Have your say on new travel hub for Sheringham

Two Norfolk councils are seeking views from the public on proposed improvements to the public space outside the North Norfolk Railway in Sheringham, where a new travel hub for the town is being created.

Known locally as Ottendorf Green and located on Station Approach, the area is a main gateway to the high street, situated between the town's main carpark, bus and rail links and the popular North Norfolk heritage railway.

Sheringham Town Council have commissioned architects Chaplin Farrant to redesign the public space to support economic growth in the town as part of Norfolk County Council's wider plan to deliver a new travel hub for bus passengers as part of its Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP).

Cllr Graham Plant, cabinet member for highways, infrastructure and transport at Norfolk County Council said: "Sheringham is a popular year round destination and we hope these proposals will improve the passenger experience of bus travel to and from the town, as well as supporting more walking and cycling in the area.

"The current bus shelter is inaccessible, with limited pavement space in an area of high footfall, so this redesign will create a safe and accessible space for all and support the growth of tourism in the town with additional facilities for visitors.

"We've seen bus passenger numbers across the county increase by 9.7% over the last year (around 2.5 million additional journeys) and through our Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) we hope to see even more people using public transport in the future."

The improvements will include:

• Replacement of the existing brick bus shelter, providing improved safety and accessibility, with lighting and a larger waiting area for passengers
• Passenger travel information in real time via a digital screen
• A wider pavement on the south side of Station Approach, providing more space for waiting passengers and those passing on foot
• A new shelter for cycle parking, equipped with a cycle repair station
• New seating areas and public information boards
• A water bottle filling station
• Enhancement of public realm areas to create a spacious meeting point and area that can be used for public events
• Soft landscaping
• Installation of a new bus shelter and widened footway at the western end of Station Approach (outside the putting green)

A detailed plan of all changes proposed is available on the project webpage www.norfolk.gov.uk/sheringhamtravelhub where there is also a brief survey to complete.

You can also pop along to one of the informal drop in sessions happening on Wednesday 14 May at North Norfolk Railway (Station Buffet) on Station Approach between 10am and 12pm or Sheringham Community Centre between 1pm and 3pm if you'd like to find out more.

The online survey closes on Monday 26 May 2025.

Councillor Peter Ratcliffe, Chair of Sheringham Town Council said: "We are very pleased to be working with Norfolk County Council and the North Norfolk Railway on a project that will deliver real improvements for residents and visitors. The new facilities proposed, including real time information screens, improved community space and a fully accessible bus shelter, will provide an enhanced customer experience for people travelling to and from our Town. We are pleased to see the addition of a cycle repair station and under cover cycle storage encouraging further sustainable transport options in Sheringham."

If you have any queries about the proposals but are not able to attend one of the events above then please email TFNorfolk@norfolk.gov.uk. Read our privacy notice to find out how we use your personal information.

Sheringham Town Council will review all responses and work with the county council and the designers to develop the final plans for construction. Any building work would be communicated in advance and conducted outside of the peak tourist season.