A new multi-storey car park extension in Amersham will be open to the public next Friday – with free parking on offer during the opening weekend.

Shoppers and commuters will now have hundreds more places to park in King George V Road after the car park was extended by 506 spaces – increasing the total capacity to 1,046.

Building work has taken just over a year to complete, and Chiltern District Council (CDC) hopes the development will free up space in other car parks closer to the town centre.

CDC’s cabinet member for environment, Mike Smith, said: “I'm delighted to say that the Amersham multi-storey car park extension will be opening to the public next Friday, within budget and in time for the busy Christmas trading season.

"The existing car park was full three days a week, but this extension provides 502 spaces which we anticipate will increase long-stay parking use here, freeing up more short-stay spaces in other car parks closer to the town centre, a potential boost for local businesses.

"This represents a multi-million pound investment for Amersham and its surrounding communities at no cost to the local tax payer as the income from the additional parking spaces will pay for the development over time.

"I'd like to thank residents and visitors for their support and patience throughout the construction period.

"Now that the extension is opening, I'd like to welcome our existing customers back and look forward to attracting some new ones too."

Electric car charging points, CCTV and a lift have also been included in the development.

Parking will be free next Saturday and Sunday, following that charges will be the same as the original car park prior to construction.