Solaglas Contracting North has recently completed glazing for the futuristic West Street Bus Station in Oldham, Manchester. Costing £3.4 million, the unusual oval shaped creation replacing the existing bus stands has been designed by Austin-Smith:Lord.

The building comprises a centralised waiting area and an attractive and user-friendly central island concourse area to encourage greater use of public transport.

The project was awarded to Contracting North by main contractors Thomas Barnes & Sons because of Solaglas' proven ability in handling innovative glazing contracts. The team has installed faceted and curved glass installed in an oval shape using Technal curtain walling and doors. Interestingly, rather than being installed floor to ceiling, the transom to the top of the curtain walling has been omitted to provide a 30cm gap for ventilation purposes. All aluminium profiles are polyester coated in grey matt whilst glazing throughout is 15mm SGG Securit Planilux clear toughened and heat soaked glass.

The automatic opening doors are a particular design feature of the building. Bus lane sensors under the road are linked to the bus stops and the doors only operate when the vehicle arrives at the adjacent spot. This is designed to stop passengers alighting early.