A newly completed $16.5 million state of the art bus depot in the outskirts of Canberra creates a new benchmark for the design of environment – and user-friendly transport services, it is claimed.

The Tuggeranong Bus Depot uses Lysaght steel roofing materials to set a new standard for form and function in a design that is both an architectural and engineering triumph.

The series of buildings which comprise the depot all feature Lysaght Spandek Hi-Ten 800 roof sheeting in autumn red Colorbond pre-painted steel.

Designed by architects Jackson Teece Chesterman Willis on behalf of ACT Public Works and constructed by ICMS the new complex doubles as the new headquarters for ACTION – ACT Internal Omnibus Network.

The new headquarters complex is part of a policy by ACTION to create a network of integrated bus depots in Canberra’s outlying towns to cater for the capital’s recent strong growth and development.

The centrepiece of the complex is a huge cable-stayed bus port structure large enough to accommodate 142 buses. The steel-framed structure has an in-built ability to be easily extended to house an additional 40 buses.

The choice of colored metal roof sheeting was a conscious decision to evoke a country town feeling favoured by the former National Capital Development Commission.

The buildings have been arranged to optimise internal circulation and control of bus movements.

The long spans achieved by the structure allow great maneuverability within the port, while the skewing of the structure permits easy entry and exit which minimises the scuffing of tyres.

The comfort of the depot’s 220 drivers is also not neglected with facilities which include a cafe, billiard and table tennis rooms, showers, change rooms and also tennis courts.

Source: Truck & Bus Transportation February 1991 page 105.

This page was last updated on 7 February 1991

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