'The old one's dirty, unsafe and rundown'

Josh Nixon, aged 21, of Stockton Brook, a self-protection instructor, said: "The existing bus station is absolutely dire – just a horrible place to be in general. My issue has always been the amount of people smoking.

"The new station looks nice, and will hopefully be nicer and better-run than this one, but as for the look of it, I just hope it's worth the expense in the long run considering the condition of other things that many would say money would be better spent on."

Amy Kirk, aged 29, of Newcastle, who works as a sales and marketing executive, said: "The old station is run down, dirty and not a safe place to be alone waiting for a bus, particularly at night.

"On many occasions I have had to witness fights and anti-social behaviour in the station while on my way home from work.

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"I hope that the new station will have CCTV and be properly maintained as I think the old one has simply been left to ruin.

"I hope the station is the start of a new future for the Potteries."

Natalie Moseley, aged 24, of Sneyd Green, a mother-of-two, said: "The bus station has needed to be updated for years.

"I like the large open windows which are great for feeling safe when you catch the bus alone.

"I don't really see the need for a new shopping centre as the one we have already has so many empty shops. But if it brings employment and opportunities then that's great for our city."