Plans revealed to improve access to buses and tackle congestion in Dereham Market Place
Norfolk County Council is inviting public feedback on proposals that would see upgrades to Dereham Market Place aimed at improving bus services, pedestrian safety, and accessibility in the town centre.
Currently, Dereham Market Place sees around 180 buses arrive and depart each day. However, the current location and layout of the bus stops often causes congestion and limits accessibility.
The proposed scheme, which is part of Norfolk County Council's Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP), includes extending the existing southbound bus stop layby to accommodate up to three buses at a time, one more than the current layout allows. This will help reduce road congestion and improve traffic flow. New 'gold standard' bus shelters will be installed and equipped with Real Time Information (RTI) screens providing live updates on bus arrivals, enhancing passenger convenience. Additionally, pedestrian access will be improved through the installation of a new zebra crossing and step-free access points, making the area safer and more accessible for all users.
Councillor Graham Plant, cabinet member for highways, infrastructure and transport, said: "I encourage everyone to have their say in this consultation on our latest BSIP scheme. Since the start of the delivery of our Bus Service Improvement Plan in Norfolk, bus usage has risen by 28% in Norfolk and has seen Konectbus recently expand their services in the Dereham area providing more frequent and later bus services."
Councillor Phillip Duigan local member for Dereham South said "This scheme aims to improve how buses serve Dereham, including the capacity, safety and accessibility of the busy bus stops, as well as reducing congestion in the town centre area for everyone. This makes it easier for people to cross over the Market Place to access shops, amenities and bus services."
Residents, businesses, and visitors are encouraged to share their views on the proposals by 16 September 2025 by visiting www.norfolk.gov.uk/derehammarketplace to complete the online survey. If approved, construction is expected to begin in early 2026.
Background
The concept design is in the early stages with an estimated cost of £450k to deliver and is part of Norfolk's BSIP which is backed by approximately £15.9 million in funding for 2025/26 from the Department for Transport (DfT), this is in addition to the £49.5m of funding received in previous rounds of funding from the DfT.
The programme includes measures to modernise and expand bus services, introduce integrated travel hubs, and enhance infrastructure across the county.
This scheme aligns with Breckland District Council's future plans for the Market Place. Norfolk County Council have worked closely with Breckland District Council to ensure these improvements support their long-term vision for the area.
