What if a bus garage was more than just a place to park buses? West Ham Bus Garage is not your average depot. It is an eco-friendly marvel. Completed in 2010 it solved a big problem for the 2012 Olympics. Two bus garages on Waterden Road had to go to make way for the games.
The solution was innovative. They knocked down a Parcelforce depot. The toxic land beneath was remediated. This land once housed a gasworks. West Ham Bus Garage now houses 350 buses. More than 700 staff work here. It is one of Transport for London’s most sustainable structures.
But why build it here? The location is a little remote. It is accessed via a poorly maintained side road near Star Lane DLR. The buses use the neighboring trading estate. It was built to replace two garages in Waterden Road. This allowed development of the Olympic Park. Demolition began in 2007. By February 2008, Stratford garage operations had moved to part of the new site.
The main garage structure was complete by March 2009. ParcelForce vacated their site to the south. This became the bus parking area. By December 2009, staff had moved into the new building. Head office staff from Ilford joined them in February 2010. The parking and fueling area was completed in June 2010.
West Ham Bus Garage includes measures to recycle rainwater. It also reduces energy consumption. The garage has a distinctive green roof. A wind turbine adds to its eco-friendly design. The green roof absorbs water. It slowly releases it to the drains. This water is then used for flushing toilets. The wind turbine contributes about 10% of the garage’s energy.
The building has four large metal arches. These arches are reminiscent of Stockwell station. But West Ham Bus Garage has more light inside. The architect designed the arches for sound insulation. There are long-term plans to build residential blocks to the north. The money is not there so the housing plan is stalled.
Inside, the offices have a spartan design. Exposed concrete is everywhere. The concrete acts as a cooling agent. It absorbs warmth during the day. This reduces the need for air conditioning.
West Ham Bus Garage is divided into two segments. The inner two arches are for maintenance. The outer two arches are for vehicle movements. Only the outer two arches have the moss-covered roof.
Today West Ham Garage operates several routes. These include routes 241, 277, 323, 330, 474 and 667.
So next time you see a bus remember West Ham Bus Garage. It is a testament to sustainable design. It is a vital hub that keeps London moving.