Cheshire coach operator Merediths expands with new depot near Chester
A long-established Cheshire coach operator has expanded its regional presence with the opening of a new depot on the outskirts of Chester.
Merediths of Cheshire, part of the Lakeside Group owned by transport operator FirstGroup, has opened a new operating base near Tarvin, east of Chester city centre, strengthening its ability to serve customers across Cheshire and the wider North-West region.
The company, which was established in 1935, operates a fleet of 25 coaches providing private hire services and an extensive home-to-school transport network across Cheshire. The new Chester depot reflects the growing proportion of Merediths’ work in and around the city and will enable the business to operate more efficiently while supporting further growth.
The new site will be home to 15 coaches and will employ 15 drivers and operational staff, creating a new operating hub for the business close to the city.
The location also opens up opportunities to serve a wider area, including Wirral and Merseyside, while strengthening connections towards Greater Manchester.
Merediths of Cheshire has been part of the Lakeside Group since 2020. The award-winning coach group operates around 150 vehicles and employs nearly 200 staff across its portfolio of businesses.
As part of the FirstGroup family, Merediths also benefits from the scale, investment and operational expertise of one of the UK’s largest transport operators, while continuing to operate as a locally focused coach business serving communities across Cheshire and the surrounding region.
Neal Hall, Managing Director of Lakeside Group, said: “Merediths has served customers across Cheshire and the surrounding counties for many decades, so opening a new base closer to Chester is a natural step as the business continues to grow.
“Much of our work already takes place in and around the city, and this new location will allow us to operate more efficiently while giving us greater flexibility to serve customers across Cheshire and the wider region.”
The new depot also strengthens the wider Lakeside network, enabling services to operate across a broad geography, including links stretching from Chester through to Wolverhampton.
Since joining the Lakeside Group, Merediths has continued to build on its reputation for high-quality coach operations. The business is a founder member of the DVSA Earned Recognition Scheme, has held ISO 9001 accreditation for more than 15 years, and is one of just 21 operators nationwide that form the Guild of British Coach Operators.
Andrew Jarvis, Managing Director for Business & Coach Operations at First Bus, said: “Merediths of Cheshire is a well-respected operator with deep roots in the local community. This investment reflects our confidence in the business and our commitment to supporting its continued growth while maintaining the high standards the company is known for.”
The new Chester base positions Merediths to continue expanding its private hire, contract and school transport services while offering customers across the region a high-quality coach travel option.