Decision details

The Executive considered a report in respect of a proposed Business Case for the Railway Station Multi-Storey Car Park.

In reply to a Member’s question, the Assistant Director (Regeneration) stated that the discussions with Network Rail regarding the project had not thus far included the possibility of passengers using nearby stations for their rail journeys whilst the MSCP construction work was taking place.  Although the existing parking capacity at nearby stations was limited, he agreed to raise this matter with Network Rail.

The Chair asked that officers arrange for a leafletting campaign to take place at the Railway Station in the run up to the start of the MSCP construction contract to advise passengers of the reduced car parking at the station for the duration of the contract and their options for parking in the other town centre car parks or travelling to the station by other means.

It was RESOLVED:

1.          That it be noted that the discussions with Huber (proposed Contractor), as well as with Officers in the Council’s Finance and Parking Departments, have continued since the December 2021 Executive meeting to progress the project.

2.          That the successful outcome of the planning application process, with the new MSCP and cycle hub being approved on 11 January 2022, be noted.

3.          That borrowing of up to £2.05M be approved to fund the costs of the MSCP not funded through Towns Fund and identified capital receipts.

4.          That authority be delegated to the Strategic Director (TP) to enter into a construction contract with Huber up to £9.5M, and to agree any value increases to the existing Pre-Construction Services Agreement in order to protect the overall contract price.

5.          That the following mitigation strategy principles be agreed:

·     Customers to be encouraged, using an improved communications strategy, to use St George’s Multi-Storey Car Park as the preferred option for long term parking when using the station and other car parks within the town centre;

·     Customers have a further choice to use Primett Road car park and walk to the station - a “park and stride” option;

·     Utilisation of the Income Equalisation Reserve in the event that car parking income losses during construction of the MSCP are higher than included in the 2022/23 budget.

6.          That authority be delegated to the Assistant Director (Planning & Regulation) to procure an operator(s) and operational plan for the new MSCP electric vehicle charging points and cycle hub, following consultation with the Portfolio Holders for Resources, Environment and Regeneration, and Economy and Transport.

Reason for Decision:  As contained in report.

Other Options considered:  As contained in report.