£144k to save High Wycombe car park from demolition (From Bucks Free Press)

Easton Street car park in High Wycombe saved from demolition with £144,000 council investment

12:10pm Friday 11th May 2012 in News By James Nadal

AN URGENT cash injection of £144,000 has been agreed for a multi-storey car park in High Wycombe town centre to save it from demolition.

Officials at Wycombe District Council have reported Easton Street car park would face the wrecking ball at a cost of £500,000 in October, when winter weather hits, if no action were taken.

Officers said in their report that this would also mean: “There would be an impact on car park income that is hard to quantify and which has a wide range of uncertainty and adverse public reaction.”

The report also said: “The most urgent work identified in the last inspection is the resurfacing of the top exposed decks where significant failure of the surface has caused leakage through the structure leading to corrosion of the reinforcement and damage to the concrete surround.

“Unless a programme of works is agreed, the upper decks of the car park will need to be closed within the next eight months.”

The Cabinet has opted to spend the £144k to carry out essential repairs and maintenance on the upper decks, with a further review in two years.

WDC Leader Alex Collingwood said it was the sensible decision to take, with further funds required in subsequent years.

There has been heavy investment over the past 12 years, with £1.3m spent on repairs in 1997/8 after severe corrosion to the structure.

The multi-storey car park, built in 1972, contains 494 spaces spread over 12 half decks and generates a net revenue of roughly £155,000 per year.

Officials said it is 80 to 90 per cent full normally during peak hours.

Since December long stay visitors have had to pay £5 instead of £7.50.