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Woking Town Centre's transformation is set to continue with the proposal to replace the Shoppers' Red Car Park.
The proposals, subject to planning consent, feature a new 10 storey, 1,382 space car park that would be substantially better than the existing 1970's 887 parking bay Red Car Park. Fewer central columns would create a light and airy ambiance with clear vehicular and pedestrian routes. Wider parking bays and 'In' and 'Out' spiral ramp with access to each level will enhance the visitor experience.
Cllr David Bittleston, Leader of Woking Borough Council, said: "As the exciting transformation of Woking Town Centre takes shape, increasing our car parking capacity will be an integral part of the development.
"As part of the Victoria Square development, we always had planned to create an additional three storeys of parking on top of the existing Shoppers' Red Car Park to accommodate the increase in visitors. However, after carefully considering the life expectancy of the existing Red Car Park and the proposed cost of extending, it was considered better value for money to build a new car park than upgrade the existing structure.
"We have a robust plan of action to mitigate against the loss of these spaces, especially at critical peak times of the year such as Christmas. Minimising any loss of parking bays for the town during the development phase is essential. Season ticket holders, drivers and the wider community will be notified of these arrangements as soon as feasibly possible.
"Nevertheless, this situation presents a unique opportunity to replace an ageing car park with a modern, larger, more efficient car park offering high quality parking facilities that will compliment the investment we are making in Woking Town Centre."
There are approximately 3,700 car parking bays currently in operation within Woking Town Centre. The replacement of the Shoppers' Red Car Park will be undertaken by Victoria Square Woking Ltd (VSWL), as part of the wider Victoria Square development. When complete, along with the new M&S car park, there will be an additional 740 car parking bays serving Woking Town Centre.
The first phase of the project, the demolition of the Shoppers' Red Car Park, will be considered by the Planning Committee at its meeting on Tuesday 4 September 2018. If approved, the car park is expected to close in October to allow demolition works to commence with the new structure completed by September 2020.