Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has opened prequalification to find a contracting firm to build the new Wigan bus station.

The new bus station is planned to be constructed on the site of the existing one and will provide a new gateway to the town, with better facilities that will encourage more people to travel by bus.

TfGM Committee Chair, Councillor Andrew Fender, commented: “We’re excited to open prequalification to potential tenderers. This is a fantastic £15.7m project to improve Wigan bus station.

“We aim to provide a better waiting environment, improved facilities for passengers and a more modern gateway to the town for both residents and visitors.”

Central government are supporting the development through the Greater Manchester Local Growth Deal Programme.

In April this year planning approval was given for the new bus station, with construction set to begin in June next year with an expected construction period of 18 months. The main construction contract is estimated to cost £9 million.

TfGM has already constructed new transport interchanges in Rochdale, Altrincham and Wythenshawe, while a new interchange in Bolton is currently under construction.

Electronic access to the pre-qualification information and requests to participate in the tender process is at http://procontract.due-north.com/register until 5th September 2016.

Meanwhile, TfGM has also confirmed that the next phase of Manchester’s Oxford Road cycleway is underway.

Work has started on upgrading the cycling infrastructure, although campaigners have warned that “watered down” plans may put both cyclists and pedestrians at risk.

The first section of the Oxford Road bike lane commenced in February and was part of a £1 billion bus priority scheme aimed at reducing pollution and traffic congestion. Sections of the partially kerb-protected route are now complete.

This next phase of the scheme will see Oxford Road between Booth Street and Hathersage Road closed to two way traffic while cycle lanes are built.