The council’s executive will be asked to make a decision on the future of High Street car park next week, following structural engineer advice that it is coming to the end of its life.
While the car park currently remains safe to use, independent surveyors have advised the council that it should be closed this year.
The car park, which was built in the 1970s, has already had its middle parking bays suspended to spread weight load. This has provided a temporary solution to keep it safe and open.
However, surveyors have said that this cannot continue as the structure is corroding. They have recommended closing the car park as the level of corrosion within the concrete reinforcement cannot be remedied.
Should the executive agree to close the car park, it would be able to remain open safely until the end of October. Work would then begin to secure the site and decommission it – which would be completed before the end of the year.
High Street car park is mainly used by council staff working in the nearby Time Square offices and a handful of monthly season ticket holders. It is not the car park of choice for shoppers or those visiting The Lexicon.
Bracknell town centre has lots of alternative car parks available. Braccan Walk, Princess Square, Albert Road, Weather Way are all within walking distance of the town centre. The closure of High Street car park should not impact on people’s ability to park, as only The Avenue car park reaches capacity at Christmas peak times, while others have plenty of space all year round.
Structural engineers have advised that the businesses under High Street car park could remain in place safely until 2025, subject to regular inspections.
The executive will also be asked to add High Street car park to the overall Bracknell town centre masterplan, which sets out redevelopment opportunities. This plan is due to be considered by the executive in the autumn.
Kevin Gibbs, executive director for delivery, said:
“The safety of all our car park users is of paramount importance and so the executive has been asked to consider the closure of High Street car park based on it coming to the end of its life.
“The simple issue is that the car park was built more than 50 years ago when vehicles weren’t as heavy. The weight load of heavy, modern vehicles has put considerable pressure on the structure, which is corroding and cannot be fixed. Structural engineers have told us it cannot continue to be used safely past the end of this year.
“Should the closure be agreed, the car park would remain open until the end of October. There is plenty of parking space within the town centre and so shoppers and visitors should not struggle to find a place to park – alternatively, the town centre is right next to the train station and bus station and is accessible via many cycle routes.”
The executive will be discussing High Street car park on Tuesday 18 July.
The council is currently in discussion with its partners at BRP regarding alternative access for Shopmobility users should the closure be agreed. Meetings with Shopmobility staff have also been held to find the best possible solution. More information will follow should the closure be agreed on 18 July.
