Bournemouth bus and coach station - circa 1930s

This historical photograph shows Bournemouth’s unusual bus and coach station in its early years. Exeter Road runs up the hill to the right and Exeter Lane down the hill to the left.

The two storey station was opened in 1931 as a joint venture between Elliott Brothers (Royal Blue) Coaches and Hants & Dorset Motor Services. Royal Blue used the lower covered area whilst Hants & Dorset used the open area behind the building. The property was enlarged in 1959.

Unfortunately a disastrous fire occurred in the underground coach station in the early hours of 25 July 1976 causing serious structural damage. Coach service arrivals and departures moved to another site thereafter.