A multi-storey car park could be built in Wellington under a new scheme by Telford & Wrekin Council. Talks on creating the facility in King Street have been confirmed but council officials say it is still early days.
They believe the car park could support the proposed public transport hub and the regeneration of Wellington. It would be developed on the site of the current surface car park next to Wellington railway station.
David Riley, president of Wellington Chamber of Commerce, said he was pleased Telford & Wrekin Council bosses were listening to concerns over parking.
He said: “It is a fantastic initiative. Multi-storey car parks are not the concrete structures of the past, they can design them to fit in nicely with the surrounding environment. Some even have integrated offices and shops.”
But town councillor, Gary Davies, said plans could upset residents.
“I have spoken to people of Hiatt Avenue and they would be extremely upset over the building of any multi-storey car park on this site,” he said. “To put a multi-storey car park there would completely obliterate their view of Wellington and beyond.
“I am still concerned that if they build it, who would pay for it? Will the council keep its promises that there will be no parking charges in Wellington?” he said.
“I don’t see how anybody can build a multi-storey car park and keep it free.”
The land involved is owned by Network Rail, which confirmed it was in discussions over the scheme.
Councillor Eric Carter, cabinet member for regeneration, stressed parking fees would not be introduced to Wellington.
He said: “We are looking into the idea of putting a multi-storey car park on the site of the King Street surface car park and we are looking into ways the council and other partners might be able to move this idea forward. It would require a lot more work and for partners to secure funding before any such scheme could go ahead.”
Telford & Wrekin officials are also looking into other ways to improve parking including a ‘better balance’ between longer and shorter stay parking.
