Manor Royal BID is thrilled to announce the opening of the UK's first-ever “Superhub” bus stop and surrounding micropark at Manor Royal Central.
The Superhub, far more than a typical bus shelter, pushes the boundaries of transit design. It’s a striking, inviting space, crafted to enhance comfort while waiting for public transport and to redefine the notion of a bus stop.
Conceived in 2017 by Manor Royal BID, this pioneering pilot is now a reality thanks to the support of West Sussex County Council and Crawley Borough Council, with grant funding from the Crawley Growth Programme and Crawley Town’s Fund.
Steve Sawyer, Executive Director, Manor Royal BID said:
“This is not just a first for Manor Royal, it’s a first anywhere and sets the quality standard for bus users and for employees. As well as providing a better a place to catch a bus, it also provides a place to sit and rest as part of our mission to make sure no one in Manor Royal is more than five minutes away from decent outdoor space. We have had to overcome a host of problems to get here but we did it. I’d like to thank everyone who shared our passion and our vision to get this done.”
Crawley Borough Cllr Atif Nawaz, Cabinet Member of Economic Development and Planning said:
“I am really pleased to see our funding being used on a project supporting our most prominent business district. The public art by local Crawley artist, with the tribute to his father, highlights our strong links to the aviation industry and the new micropark make this so much more than a bus stop. I would like to thank all of those involved in delivering this.”
West Sussex County Councillor Garry Wall, Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills said:
“I am excited to see the Manor Royal Superhub come to life, a project developed in partnership with the Growth Programme, Crawley Borough Council and Manor Royal BID.
“The design of the new hub aims to enhance the daily experience for everyone who travels through Manor Royal offering an inviting bus shelter surrounded by public art and greenery, creating a more welcoming transit space. The new hub complements the works we’ve done through the council’s Bus Service Improvement Plan to improve the area including extending the bus lane to enhance the reliability of local buses and reducing passenger journey times.
“The collaborative work we’ve achieved with our partners on the new Superhub reflects our ongoing commitment to our council priority of supporting a sustainable and prosperous economy as we make the transit spaces more accessible and attractive for residents and partners alike.”
Nick Hill, Commercial Director, Metrobus said:
“We strongly believe that people using the bus should be treated to an excellent experience at the stop before they get on the bus as when they are on it. We worked with our partners to achieve this and we are amazed at the result of the fantastic new Superhub in Manor Royal. It's a wonderful place to catch your bus in comfort.”
The concept, including the shelter and the surrounding park area, was designed by Allen Scott Landscape Architects, while Trueform, in partnership with Jedco Product Design, developed and delivered the ultra-modern shelter itself. Edburton were the main contractor, supported by engineering and project management expertise from Watermans.
Marc Tomes, Director, Allen Scott Landscape Architecture, said:
“It’s incredibly rewarding to see the Superhub concept come to life and now being enjoyed by the Manor Royal community and its visitors. The design is built around a ‘kit of parts’ that can be adapted and arranged to suit various bus stop locations, while still creating a distinctive, attractive and enduring public space.
“For us, this project was always about more than designing a bus stop with a shelter. It was about shaping a place where people feel safe, welcome, and happy – a place they want to spend time while waiting for their bus, and a place they look forward to returning to when they arrive. We are super proud to have been on this journey with Manor Royal BID from the very beginning, and grateful to have collaborated with so many others to turn this shared vision into reality.”
Max Womersley, Sales Director, Trueform said:
“The Manor Royal SuperHub is a perfect example of how collaborative working can take a bold architectural vision, and turn it into a fully engineered, functional, and sustainable reality. By working together with Manor Royal BID, and all the relevant stakeholders, we have collectively delivered a unique shelter that not only meets the practical needs of passengers but also enhances the character of the area. We’re proud to have created a statement piece that will serve the community for years to come, and we feel this project stands as testament to Trueform’s expertise in delivering high-quality, innovative shelter infrastructure, that blends design excellence with long-term durability.”
Waterman’s Project Manager, Juliet Harshaw, commented:
“We are proud to have worked in partnership with Manor Royal BID for more than a decade. As part of this long-standing relationship, we have supported the design and delivery of the first Superhub bus stop, providing comprehensive engineering and project management services to bring this innovative transport solution to life. This infrastructure upgrade will enhance everyday journeys for local residents, workers, and visitors, and it has been a privilege to work with the team on this important scheme.”
A highlight of the installation is an eye-catching piece of public art, “Keki’s Fusion,” by award-winning artist and architect Karl Singporewala, who grew up in Crawley. Elevated on tripod ‘piston’ legs, the six-metre high weathered-steel star sculpture is inspired by the logo of the historic Manor Royal company Rediffusion, a tribute to Karl’s father, Keki, who once worked at the flight simulation company. Cake Industries expertly fabricated and installed the artwork.
Karl Singporewala said:
“I’m honoured to be given the opportunity to contribute a new major artwork to my hometown. The location, memory, emotion, and my current circumstance, ultimately led me to explore the theme of fatherhood, and its invisible generational/gravitational influence.”
This project follows the recently completed Hazelwick Flyover Mural and leads into a series of exciting BID led improvements for the area, including enhancements to Crawter’s Brook People’s Park, the Woolborough Lane Linear Park, County Oak Corner, a refreshed northern gateway to Manor Royal at James Watt Way, and the completion of a wellbeing trail.
