Future of former bus station site to be discussed

The council’s cabinet committee is set to decide the future of the site of the former bus station at their meeting on Thursday 15 January. 

The bus station site has been derelict since a fire in October 2022 severely damaged the aluminium structure. Since then, the council has been in a protracted negotiation with the building’s insurers.

Now Cabinet Committee – a special committee which deals exclusively with matters relating to council assets – is being asked to consider declaring the site as surplus; paving the way for a brand new development which both reflects and enhances the regeneration planned for the former TVU site, the shopping centres and the High Street. 

The council’s aspiration is to provide a new bus interchange within the town centre area which addresses the faults of the former station providing an improved experience for passengers and the bus operators and enhancing the public realm while enabling other development to come forward. 

Councillor Wal Chahal, deputy leader of the council and lead member for assets, said: “The former bus station, though visually striking, did not provide the best experience for passengers or operators of the buses. 

“Now the insurance issues have been dealt with, we are able to look at the site afresh and fully explore the options for providing the best possible transport interchange.

“We are committed to providing an effective, safe and sustainable bus interchange for residents in this, the heart of the town, and I am looking forward to our discussions on how we can make our vision a reality.”

It is estimated rebuilding the former bus station, to what it was, would cost in excess of £14 million a value far greater than the insurance payout received.

The current derelict site, thanks to business rates, capital costs and security required, is costing the council more than £200,000 a year as it is at present.

Leader of the council, councillor Dexter Smith, added: "We are not only trying to keep our options open as we decide what is best for the town in the 21st century, but we are also giving Cabinet some additional options to get this right for Slough's future needs". 

The report and details of the meeting can be found on the council’s website. Agenda for Cabinet Committee on Thursday, 15th January, 2026, 4.00 pm