PASSENGERS boarded buses on Blackburn’s historic Boulevard for the last time yesterday.

The bus station, which has served the town for decades in various guises, closed at the same time the new interim bus station opened on Brown Street.

The temporary bus station, on the site of the former three-day market, will now become the main point for all services in and out of the town centre.

The Boulevard site has closed to allow construction to start on the Cathedral Quarter development and the new mini interchange in front of the railway station.

The £30m scheme includes a hotel, restaurants, shops, new bus interchange, a Clergy Court and new offices.

It promises to transform the town centre and could create 350 jobs.

The scheme is a partnership between Blackburn with Darwen Council, Blackburn Cathedral, the Homes and Communities Agency and developer Maple Grove.

There will also be disruption to town centre bus services.

On Railway Road stands C, D, E, F and G will be removed, but stands A and B will remain for alighting and onward travel.

A new bus stop has also been introduced outside The Adelphi for through services to Darwen, Bolton, Royal Blackburn Hospital, Rossendale, Shadsworth, Highercroft and Preston.

And additional bus stops have been provided at Debenhams, Exchange Street, Darwen Street and Simmons Street.

Coun Maureen Bateson, executive member for regeneration, said: “We are trying to ensure that the movement of bus stops is phased and the information on alternative stops is clear."

The interim bus station will serve the town until autumn 2015, when the new £5m 14 stand glass-fronted bus station is due to open on Ainsworth Street.