Bus shelters go green

Living Roof bus shelters are on their way to West Cheshire, with up to ten new bus shelters being planned as part of a bus stop maintenance programme.

Biodiversity-boosting living roofs are designed to be low-maintenance and long-lasting, while contributing towards climate resistance and increasing greenery on high streets. Unlike traditional sedum-only roofs, these roofs are planted with a mix of native wildflowers and sedum, making them more attractive to bees and pollinators.

Working in partnership with Bauer Media Outdoor UK, Cheshire West and Chester Council identified ten locations that would benefit from the modern, sustainable bus shelters that also include covered seating. There will also be several sites where solar panels are to be installed to power the internal lighting.

The first of the new bus shelters has been installed on Station Road in Little Sutton, this week. It is a solar-powered shelter, featuring a Living Roof, both features  highlight the Council’s dedication to sustainability.

Rose McArthur, Director of Transport and Highways said:

“We’ve embraced the concept of living roofs in buildings with examples in Chester at the Little Roodee Car Park, The Bus Interchange and most recently the New Market Car Park.

“We can now welcome a further ten living roofs. By working in partnership with Bauer Media Outdoor, there is no additional cost for the Council, but there is a welcome facelift to the bus shelters and a far more valuable impact on our environment.”

Emma Lloyd, Portfolio Partnership Manager at Bauer Media Outdoor, said:

“Living Roofs are a simple yet powerful way to bring nature back into urban spaces. By transforming everyday infrastructure into green assets, we’re supporting councils like Cheshire West and Chester in delivering meaningful environmental benefits while enhancing the look and feel of local communities.”

The locations planned for living roof shelters in 2026 are:

Hough Green, Chester
Stanney Lane/Underwood Wolverham, Ellesmere
Stanney Lane, Health Clinic, Ellesmere Port
Chesterway, Memorial Hall, Northwich
High St, Grange Lane, Winsford (two stops)
Middlewich Rd Opposite Worthing St, Northwich
Hoole Way/Charles Street, Chester (two stops)

The Living Roof uses sustainable materials:

Trays: Recycled and recyclable plastic (UK) Coir (coconut mesh): Coconut husk waste (India)

Compost: Recycled green waste (UK)

Gravel: Recycled pumice from power stations (UK)

Pictured - Station Road living roof bus shelter.