ANDOVER'S dowdy bus station is set to undergo a massive transformation as part of the next stage of the town's development.

The £2.6 million worth of work will see the number of bays for buses increased from eight to 12 and will upgrade the level of comfort for travellers and staff as well as improving the look of the facility. Passengers will enjoy airport style waiting accommodation inside an enclosed concourse.

Extra capacity is needed because of the town's planned increased in population as one of Hampshire's four 'major development areas' (MDA) and because of the need to increase the use of public transport.

Funding for the new bus station, which could be a reality as early as 2009, will be provided by 'developer contributions' from companies building the additional homes for Andover and from central government transports grants.

Test Valley has asked consultants WSP to work up the details of the proposal which would also have repercussions for West Street, the existing multi-storey car park and part of the Lidl supermarket car park.

The consultants have already 'autotracked' the planned layout to ensure it works in terms of bus movements in and out of the station..

Test Valley Borough Council planning policy manager, Steve Lees, said: "The new bus station will make this a much more attractive area and a location where people will be happy to spend a little time. People are being asked more and more to use public transport and this is one way in which we can encourage them to do so."

As an MDA Andover will see thousands of new homes built on the north eastern extremity of the existing town boundary and additional bus services will be required.