Halesowen's new £3.5 million state-of-the-art bus station is in operation marking the completion of the town's £30m regeneration.

The station, which boasts two modern waiting areas with electronic doors that open when buses arrive, opened on Sunday December 14.

Thanks to the regeneration project lasting 20 months Halesowen now boasts a 24-hour Asda with multi-storey car park, extended shops in the Cornbow Centre, road improvements with extra pedestrian crossings and the new bus station.

Cllr Angus Adams, Cabinet Member for transportation at Dudley Council said: “Halesowen’s new state-of-the-art bus station will really help to transform bus travel for people in Halesowen.

“We feel sure the new facility, along with the opening of Asda, will create an environment which is beneficial to everyone and attracts more visitors to the town.”

There was criticism the station wasn't finished in time for the opening of Asda on November 24 but transport authority Centro, Dudley Council and contractor Carillion said they had managed to bring forward the completion of the bus station and road scheme by five days from the agreed schedule.

The station also boasts two electronic passenger information displays showing timetable information and CCTV and help points make it safer for users.

There is an entrance canopy creating a landmark feature into the Cornbow Centre and a paved area linking the bus station and shops.

Cllr Gary Clarke, Chairman of Centro, said: “Halesowen’s new bus station provides a 21st century passenger facility with state-of-the-art technology.

“We hope the new bus station together with the rest of the new facilities provided through the multimillion pound regeneration, will help to put Halesowen on the map as a fantastic location where people can shop and connect to public transport in a modern, convenient and comfortable environment.”

Users of the Ring and Ride service will be picked up and dropped off at their own dedicated shelter on the Queensway.